We were fortunate enough to visit the Vatican after the start of their Faberge Eggs exhibit, which started April 15, 2011. The nine eggs on exhibit are borrowed from the Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, the first ever Russian exhibit at the Vatican. Velselberg paid over $90 million for 190 pieces of Faberge jewelry previously owned by Malcolm Forbes.
This is the Renaissance Egg, presented by Emporer Alexander III to his wife on Easter 1894. The Resurrection Egg to the right depicts Christ standing above the tomb flanked by two angels.
The Rosebud Egg was presented by Emporer Nicholas II to his wife (Empress Alexandra Feodorovna) on Easter 1895.
The Bay Tree Egg was presented by Emporer Nicholas II to his mother on Easter 1911.
The Coronation Snuffbox is decorated with Nicholas II's monogram, and given as a gift to the Minister of Austria-Hungary at the time of coronation ceremonies in 1896.
The Fiftheenth Anniversary Egg was presented by Emporer Nicholas II to his wife Empress Alexandra Feodorovna on Easter 1911.
Our Lady of Kazan icon, from Moscow between 1908 and 1917.
Framed Prayer, from St. Petersburg, 1895.
Dipper with stands in the form of Gryphons, St. Petersburg between 1860 and 1896.
Plate with a Griffin, the Romanovs coat of arms, Moscow 1913.
Cigarette case with the coin of the Times of Catherine II, St. Petersburg between 1898 and 1904.
Miniature arm charge, St. Petersburg, around 1911.
Cross of St. George Egg, presented by Emporer Nicholas II to his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Fjodorovna on Easter 1916. This was the last of the imperial Easter eggs.
The Kelch Hen Egg, St. Petersburg 1898.
The Chanticleer Egg, with key. "Chanticleer" is a poetic name of a rooster in the satirical comedy by Rostan in 1910.
The Duchess of Marlborough Egg, St Petersburg, 1902. This is the only egg to be commissioned by an American.
We then returned to the regular Vatican museum exhibits.
I could not resist a photo of this old woman resting on her trip through the museum, backlit and sitting in darkness.
Here is the view out the window behind her.
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