An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Imperial Red Cross Easter Egg1915
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.
This egg was confiscated by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution and sold by the government of Josef Stalin in the 1930s to raise money for the Soviet treasury.
gold, silver gilt, enamel, glass, ivory
Overall: 8.6 x 6.4 cm (3 3/8 x 2 1/2 in.)
The India Early Minshall Collection
In a time of great turmoil, as the world teetered on the brink of chaos with the onset of the First World War, a remarkable tribute emerged—a delicate Fabergé egg, crafted with intention and love. This wasn’t merely a piece of art; it was a symbol of hope, commissioned to honor Empress Alexandra, who courageously founded the Red Cross in Russia. She, alongside her daughters, Olga and Tatiana, stood resolute, embodying a commitment to wartime service.
As one gazes upon this exquisite creation, the egg's simplicity speaks volumes. Unlike its jeweled counterparts that dazzled the eyes, this egg carries an understated elegance, mirroring the somber mood of a nation in the grip of conflict. Its surface, brushed with a pristine white enamel, silently tells the story of sacrifice and courage. Two stark red enamel crosses—bold and arresting—stand as fierce reminders of the Empress’s devotion and the moral weight carried by her daughters.
It is within this austere design that the heart of the narrative beats. Miniature portraits of Olga and Tatiana, carefully painted, adorn the crosses with a poignant intimacy. Each glance at these young faces invites reflection, blending the personal and the historical into a sacred bond forged through suffering and service.
When one opens this remarkable egg, a breathtaking tableau unfolds. A depiction of Christ's resurrection emerges, illuminated with a radiant vibrancy, filled with promises of renewal and hope. Flanking this central image are the patron saints of the grand duchesses, guardians of their spirit, adding layers of reverence and protection.
This delicate artifact is more than a simple ornament; it is a reminder of the resilience found in human service and the profound stories woven through times of fear. The Fabergé egg serves as a vessel, capturing a moment in history where love and duty stood tall amid the shadows of war, inviting all who behold it to find strength in their own narratives.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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