Intelligence Squared The Specialist | Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith
Aug 25, 2025
Helen Culver-Smith, the Head of Decorative Arts Worldwide at Sotheby's, shares her expertise on a stunning Fabergé apple blossom study. She dives into the digital discovery that rekindled interest in this exquisite piece and its remarkable journey through the tastes of high society. The conversation reveals the intricate artistry behind Fabergé’s creations and the captivating lineage of this flower, tracing connections to notable figures like Martha Baird Rockefeller. It's a fascinating look at how a masterpiece of decorative arts comes to life through history.
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How Fabergé Made Magic
- Fabergé combined European techniques with Russian taste to create uniquely exquisite objects.
- The flower studies encapsulate nature using multiple specialist workshops and labour-intensive processes.
Multidisciplinary Craft In Flower Studies
- Fabergé flower studies are multidisciplinary creations requiring lapidaries, enamelers and goldsmiths.
- The rock crystal vase and illusion of water complete the lifelike presentation.
Rarity Drives Value
- Only about 80 Fabergé flower studies survive, making them exceptionally rare.
- Large examples like this apple blossom are particularly uncommon and prized.