THE TSAREVICH FABERGE EGG
The Tsarevich Egg was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II for his wife, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. The Egg was created by Fabergé in 1912, the same year that the Imperial couple’s son, Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, suffered an almost fatal attack of haemophilia at the Spala hunting lodge in Poland. The Egg exterior consists of a Lapis Lazuli base, silver, platinum and golden detailing, with the motif of the Double Headed Eagle and the Imperial Crown seen throughout the egg added by workmaster Henrik Immanuel Wigström. The interior holds a surprise, a trait that is seen in most Imperial Fabergé eggs. When opened, a double sided watercolour portrait of the Tsarevich on ivory is revealed, set against a diamond and rock crystal encrusted frame featuring the Imperial Crown, Double Headed Eagle and jewels on top of a lapis lazuli base. The Egg was acquired by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in 1947, where is remains available for public viewing in a permanent display. Sources: Fabergé by Alexander von Solodkoff www(dot)worldhistory(dot)org The Jewellery Editor Photo sources: WikiMedia Commons Virginia Museum of Fine Art YouTube channel - they have a lovely video showcasing the Egg and it’s surprise
