Twenty objects from the Russian History Museum’s collection are on display in the special exhibition “Tradition & Opulence: Easter in Imperial Russia,” which will be on extended view at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, Massachusetts. The Russian History Museum joins the Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Collection at the Houston Museum of Natural History and an important group of private collectors in this landmark exhibition.
From opulent, jeweled creations to humble embroidered examples, perhaps no country is more associated with the tradition of decorating eggs and celebrating Easter than Russia. This exhibition of over 200 objects includes works by the Fabergé firm and its competitors, Imperial Porcelain Factory eggs, icons, and Easter ephemera from collectors around the U.S., most never seen before.
The Russian History Museum was happy to loan from its permanent collection Imperial Porcelain Factory Easter eggs with the cyphers of members of the Imperial Family, liturgical objects including a rare 18th century Irmologion (compendium of chants) and embroidered priests’ cuffs, as well as miniature Easter eggs, Easter ephemera, and printed materials distributed at Eastertime by Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna the Elder and the last Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
The exhibition, initially slated to open in April, is now open to the public after the Museum of Russian Icons reopened on July 17. It has been extended through October 25, 2020. Visit the Museum of Russian Icons’ website for information on viewing the exhibition.