#Exhibit of the Month

In the dazzling world of precious stones and noble metals, certain jewelers stand out, mastering the art of harmonizing understated elegance with absolute refinement, genius with design, and sophistication with eternal, unforgettable splendor.
The name Fabergé, emblematic of originality and synonymous with the creations of a legendary house, has left an indelible mark on the history of jewelry and decorative arts. Renowned for uniting jewelry, artistic design, and utility into objets de luxe and objets de fantaisie, Fabergé's creations have always captivated with their exquisite craftsmanship. Fashioned from gold, silver, enamel, and precious stones, the pieces produced in Fabergé's workshops testify to exceptional virtuosity, marked by meticulous attention to detail and perfect material harmony. Even works inspired by earlier stylistic vocabularies bear the unmistakable mark of originality.

The National Museum of History of Moldova treasures a spectacular ladle, crafted in Fabergé's workshops in the late 19th century.
The Fabergé ladle is a curious blend of the "Russian style" and the "modern style." Made of solid silver, it features a circular, gold-plated bowl. Its raised, stylized handle (hook-shaped) is adorned with vegetal motifs, triple rings, and silver pearls. The rim is embellished with a wide band composed of rectangular medallions, decorated with spiral loops and stylized scales arranged alternately. The bowl is supported by four hemispherical feet. At the center, engraved inscriptions read: Eugenie von Platonow/St. Petersburg and ТОРГОВЫЙ ДОМЪ „АЛЕКСАНДРЪ"/1863/15/10/1913.
Research suggests that this ladle was commissioned by Alexander Trauberg, a first-guild merchant and owner of the "АЛЕКСАНДРЪ" Trading House located at Nevsky Boulevard 11, St. Petersburg. It was likely created to mark the 50th anniversary of his business in 1913.
The hallmark stamped on the base-Fabergé's K. ФАБЕРЖЕ logo surmounted by the Russian Empire's coat of arms, alongside the female profile in a kokoshnik within an oval frame, accompanied by the Greek letter Δ (delta) and the silver purity standard "88"-confirms that the piece was produced by Fabergé's Moscow branch.
The hypnotic charm of Fabergé's creations defined the aesthetic ideals of an era, embodying exuberance and refinement, crafted by a jeweler to kings and a king among jewelers.

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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition "Chișinău at the Red Line"

November 8, 2024

On November 8, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the documentary exhibition "Chișinău at the Red Line," an initiative that offers the public a profound perspective on the urban heritage of Chișinău and the civic intervention required to protect it. This event, part of a broader project carried out in partnership with the Association for Culture and Arts Arbor and the Arbor Institute for Culture, brought together representatives from the cultural community and civil society to explore both the history and vulnerabilities of the city's architecture.

In his opening speech, the museum's general director, Dr. Eugen Sava, emphasized the crucial role of the museum in promoting and protecting urban heritage and praised the collaboration with civic organizations to draw attention to Chișinău's iconic buildings and monuments. Dr. Sava remarked that this initiative provides the public with the opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving historic architecture as an integral part of the city's cultural identity.

Project manager Victoria Nagy Vajda highlighted the team's efforts and the commitment of the partners in documenting buildings and public spaces threatened by various urban pressures. "Chișinău at the Red Line," in her words, "is a visual and documentary testimony of the current state of our heritage and a call for collective mobilization to preserve what defines us culturally and historically." The exhibition reflects the intense research work and ongoing dialogue with members of the scientific community, artists, and activists who are fighting to protect historical spaces.

Activist Vitalie Sprânceană spoke about the importance of civil society's involvement in defending architectural heritage, reminding that these buildings and spaces are part of the city's cultural identity and must be protected not only for ourselves but also for future generations. In his words, "Chișinău at the Red Line is more than an exhibition - it is a call to action, an invitation for each of us to contribute to heritage conservation and to be mindful of how the city develops."

The exhibition, open to the public until December 8, 2024, presents a wide selection of documentary materials, collages of historical and contemporary photographs, informative panels, artifacts, and video recordings. These offer visitors a comprehensive view of the current state of Chișinău's urban heritage, showcasing both recent developments and the challenges it faces. The exhibition aims to raise public awareness and promote an active dialogue about the importance and vulnerability of these historical spaces.

The exhibition "Chișinău at the Red Line" will be open from November 8 to December 8, 2024, in Hall 4 of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chișinău, 31 August 1989 Street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Fabergé Ladle

Opening of the Exhibition "Chișinău at the Red Line"

November 8, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month