Before I decided to devote myself to writing, I was a visual artist, silk painting mostly, but I did a number of hand-painted eggs which I sold at a local art gallery. I loved to work with miniatures because the concentration it required made the world drop away. To be honest, I was amazed at the amount of detail possible. With only a magnifying glass and a single-haired brush, the eyes of a tiny damsel could be made to appear winking.
Being an admirer of hand-painted eggs, it’s natural for me to adore Fabergé’s creations, and I’ve been fortunate to see a few at the art museum. Crowned with jewels and designed with mechanical innards, the artist’s work was so intricate I’m surprised he wasn’t blinded by it. Each sighting leaves me in a state of wonder.
The November issue of Town&Country featured an article on eggs, both Fabergé and Fauxbergé (fakes). The author, Anthony Brandt, remarked that the popularity of the Russian pieces had fostered many imitators, some of them producing work so exquisite that only an accomplished expert could tell the difference. One artist was so masterful at his forgeries that a backer invited him to create his own line. Not surprising, the man declined. An authentic egg can sell for millions of dollars. The imposter’s art would never claim such sums, as he explained. (“Fab or Faux?” by Anthony Brandt, Town&Country, November, 2012, pg. 129.)
“What’s in a Name?” Shakespeare asked. (Romeo & Juliet, II, ii, 1-2). We have the answer. Money apparently.
(Courtesy of www.free-clipart-graphics.n)
