The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgPeter Carl Fabergé

Peter Carl Fabergé

Peter Carl Fabergé was a Russian jeweller of French descent. He is mostly known for his outstanding eggs ornamented with diamonds, so-called Fabergé eggs. The first of those eggs was given by Emperor Alexander III of Russia to his Danish wife, Dagmar (Maria Feodorovna) in 1885.

That year, Fabergé became court jeweller. His works include desk clocks, jewellery and coffee sets. After the revolution in 1917, Peter Carl Fabergé escaped to Switzerland where he spent his remaining years.

Relations

Cigarette case in gold

Cigarette case in gold and enamel with a Russian Emperor's Crown in brilliants.

Golden Egg with Hen

This golden egg was made in France around 1720. It was a present from Charlotte d'Orléans to Caroline Matilda of Great Britain.

Christian IX

In 1863 Christian IX succeeded the childless Frederik VII as king, and was the first monarch from the House of Glücksburg line of The Royal Family.

1900-1925

With the change of system in 1901 parliamentarism became the current practice in Denmark, and the first liberal government came to power. The most important event was the First World War, 1914-18 theat ended with a dramatically altered Europe.

1850-1875

The social and political revolts in Europe in 1848 had ushered in new times for European states, and for Denmark too. But even though the absolute monarchy was abolished with the Constitution of 1849, the monarchy was far from disengaged from power.

1875-1900

The period was a peaceful one for Denmark. The spread of electricity and the invention of the telephone characterised the era, and industrialisation made many new things available, while the road network and the railways created new transport possibilities.

Electric bell

Electric bell push in the shape of an elephant made of obsidian with rose-cut diamonds as eyes. Carved stone animals were among Fabergé’s specialties, and the company produced many items with elephants. This one stands on a cover of enamelled gold, laid over a bowenite plinth on four gilt legs. It was bought by Maria Feodorovna in 1898 and probably given to her father Christian IX.  

Table lighter

Table lighter made of bowenite in the shape of an oblong egg. The lower part of the egg is set in a small gold stand, where an encircling ring, diamond-studded ribbons and four garlands meet in a square gold mountings, each with a ruby. The egg stands on four cast deer hooves — a playful thought which is typical of Fabergé.