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1 of 253523 objects
Pigeon c. 1907
Banded agate, cabochon rubies, gold | 4.4 x 5.0 x 2.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 40032
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Both Edward VII and the Prince of Wales (later King George V) kept homing pigeons at Sandringham next to Queen Alexandra’s dove-house. According to contemporary accounts, most of the pigeons were of famous Belgian breeds. This is one of six examples of pigeons and doves, part of the wide range of birds by Fabergé in the Royal Collection. The banded agate realistically emulates the varying grey and white tones of the bird’s feathers. A similar pigeon was completed in Wigström’s workshops in 1911 and is illustrated on a page from the design books of his workshop.
Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal CollectionProvenance
Commissioned by King Edward VII, 1907 (the Sandringham Commission).
In 1907 Edward made the single most important contribution to the royal collection of Fabergé. He commissioned hardstone sculptures of the royal couple’s favourite dogs and horses kept at Sandringham. Gradually the project was extended to include a whole range of domestic, farm and wild animals found on the Norfolk estate. It was by far the largest order ever placed through Fabergé’s London branch. The animals were modelled in wax from life, and laid out for the King’s inspection in the Sandringham dairy late in 1907. The sculpting took place in St Petersburg and the resulting works were sold, to the royal family and others, through the London branch over the next five years. -
Creator(s)
(jeweller) -
Medium and techniques
Banded agate, cabochon rubies, gold
Measurements
4.4 x 5.0 x 2.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
