On March 10, the Russian House in Brussels hosted a meeting as part of the cultural project “Hermitage Evenings.” Guests continued their acquaintance with the collections of the State Hermitage Museum presented in the halls of the General Staff Building — the historic complex that once housed the imperial ministries.

Special attention during the meeting was devoted to the exhibition of Russian jewelry art of the 19th century. During this period, masters of the Russian Empire — the Sazikovs, Khlebnikovs, Ovchinnikov and others — turned to ancient techniques and the traditions of pre-Petrine Russia. Reviving forgotten methods and artistic forms, they created works that are now considered a source of pride for Russian decorative and applied art.

From the second half of the 19th century, the chief jeweler of the Imperial Court was Carl Fabergé. His name became a symbol of exceptional craftsmanship, artistic ingenuity and impeccable style. The works produced by the Fabergé workshop were distinguished by remarkable elegance and refinement: complex jewelry techniques were combined with flawless composition and attention to the smallest details. These masterpieces not only fascinated contemporaries but also influenced the development of jewelry art in Europe.

Participants of the meeting saw works by renowned Russian masters: gifts created for the imperial family, exquisite table services, decorative objects and miniature sculptures. Among the highlights of the collection are jeweled egg-shaped clocks created for the Rothschild family, as well as a miniature copy of the Russian imperial regalia made by the Fabergé firm. These pieces vividly demonstrate the remarkable harmony of luxury and artistic sophistication for which the famous jewelry house became known.

The exhibition was presented by Viktoria Petrova, a specialist of the Scientific and Educational Department of the State Hermitage Museum. At the end of the meeting, she answered numerous questions from the audience, reflecting the great interest in the history and legacy of the great jeweler.