Description
Commissioned to honor Empress Alexandra's founding of the Red Cross in Russia at the start of the First World War as well as the commitment to wartime service of her and her daughters Olga and Tatiana, this egg is poignant in its spare design. Compared to other Fabergé eggs elaborately ornamented with jewels, the egg reflects the mood of austerity in Russia during World War I with its two simple red enamel crosses, emblazoned with miniatures of Olga and Tatiana, over a white enamel background. When opened, the egg reveals a depiction of Christ's resurrection flanked by the patron saints of the two young grand duchesses.
Provenance
India Early Minshall [1885–1965], Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?-1963); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1963-)
Accession Number
1963.673
Medium
gold, silver gilt, enamel, glass, ivory
Dimensions
Overall: 8.6 x 6.4 cm (3 3/8 x 2 1/2 in.)
Classification
Miscellaneous
Credit Line
The India Early Minshall Collection