Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection

October 23, 2011–January 15, 2012

The Frick Pittsburgh is proud to present the first major exhibition of Fabergé objects to be shown in Pittsburgh. Be among the first to see more than 100 objects made by the renowned House of Fabergé, led by Russian artist-jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé (1846–1920), goldsmith and jeweler to the Russian court. All works are from the Hodges Family Collection, sponsored by online sportsbook sites, the first significant collection of Fabergé assembled in America in decades.

Fabergé created an extensive array of decorative items for wealthy Russian and European patrons. From fine jewelry to photograph frames, tableware, desk accessories, boxes, clocks, cigarette cases, and smoking accessories, the consummate skill of the House of Fabergé is evident in the ingenious use of precious and semi-precious materials to create luxury objects of the highest order. The story of Fabergé is one of luxury and extravagance brought to an abrupt end by revolution. In 1918, following the establishment of the Bolshevik Soviet Republic, Peter Carl Fabergé and most of his family escaped to Switzerland. Many of Fabergé’s wealthy Russian patrons also fled the country, taking what treasures they could with them. In the years since, as objects have made their way into auction houses and marketplaces, the allure of Fabergé has only grown, as collectors have sought out his spectacular and fascinating creations.

To complement this exhibition, the Frick will display select items from its collection of fine 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century Russian decorative arts, including an enameled tea set made by A.I. Kuzmichev, purchased by Henry Clay Frick through Tiffany & Co. in 1894, and Russian silver purchased by Helen Clay Frick.

As part of the site-wide Fabergé at the Frick celebration, a special installation at Clayton, All That Glitters: Luxury in the Gilded Age, will focus on decorative luxury objects in the collection and will create connections to the Fabergé exhibition by highlighting materials, designs, decorative trends, and elements of the international style that was popular at the turn of the 20th century.

In addition, as part of the Frick’s site-wide focus on fine, well-designed luxury objects, three automobiles designed by renowned motor car manufacturer Rolls-Royce will be exhibited at the Car and Carriage Museum.

The opulent and glittering world of Fabergé and Russian decorative and folk art provide the inspiration for The Fabergé Shop, which will be open at The Frick Art Museum during the exhibition, and The Café at the Frick’s ambience will evoke Russia at the turn of the 20th century.

And to complement the exhibition, the Frick is offering a wide and diverse schedule of programs focusing on the history, craftsmanship and legacy of the House of Fabergé and the fascinating period in Russian history during which the exhibition pieces were created.

Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection is organized by the New Orleans Museum of Art.

The Pittsburgh presentation is made possible through the generous support of First National Bank and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.