Russia has been a hub of artistic development for over 500 years. Beginning in the 17th century, Tsar Peter the Great led a colossal cultural revolution that aligned the country with the political, economic and social norms of the West. With the rise of St. Petersburg as the nucleus of this cultural metamorphosis, the country has given rise to some of the most precious works of decorative art the world has ever known.
The Birth of St. Petersburg
Considered the birth of Modern Russia, the founding of St. Petersburg represents a radical turn in the culture of a once outdated, traditionalist and ecclesiastically-focused country. The supremacy of the young Tsar, Peter I (1682-1725), marked beginning of the country’s “Westernization.” After seeing how his Western counterparts, primarily France and England, acted, dressed, and traversed their public arenas, Peter the Great desired to align his outdated country with Western superpowers and launch Russia into the developing modern world. The construction of St. Petersburg took place May, 1703 and the city was born onto a small, swampy island.
Becoming the administrative, industrial, and commercial metropolitan core of Russia, the presence of St. Petersburg transformed the country from old to new, and, from its naissance, is considered the main imperial strength of the country. Most importantly, the development of St. Petersburg opened the door for an influx of artistic talent and welcomed new ideas and craft techniques that led to the creation of some of the finest works of decorative art in the world.
Boundless Russian Artistry
After Peter the Great publicly expressed his desire to cloak the interior of his palaces with fine stone objects, the Russian hardstone industry was born. Largely considered some of the most talented craftsman in 19th century, Russian stone artisans took to rich deposits of hardstones, such as jasper, malachite, agate and countless others to create lavish, meticulously covered urns and other decorative wares.
First discovered in 1834, in the Russia’s Ural Mountain Range, the alexandrite gemstone is truly an emblem of Russian finery. Named for the young Tsar Alexander II, as it was discovered on birthday and thus claimed all subsequent finds of the gem for himself, heir apparent to the throne, Russia was immediately captivated by the stone’s color-change abilities.
Perhaps the one of the most renowned workshops in the world, the House of Fabergé is undeniably synonymous with the ultimate level of finery. With royal clients and connoisseurs such as Tsars Peter the Great and Nicolas II, Fabergé is best known worldwide for their elaborate and ornamented jewel-encrusted enamel eggs. Brought into prominence by Peter Carl Fabergé, Fabergé objets d’art and jewelry encompass luxury and beauty at its very best. With a glorious oeuvre, including traditional Kovshs, walking sticks, and silver, that radiates with the very finest craftsmanship, Fabergé further elevated the craft of Russian decorative arts with advanced enameling techniques and artistic inventiveness.
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