Tim Richman Gadoffre is researching into the six pointed star in the work of Russian jeweller Karl Fabergé (1846-1920). Tim sent me this image bearing workmaster's marks for Mikhaïl Perkhin and explains that this frame references Russian Orthodox Christian symbolism, of two interlocking triangles. The triangle itself represents the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
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Phototographer: Katherine Wetzel - Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (c).
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P.S from 9-10-2013
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P.S from 9-10-2013
I am sending you a slide with a pair of similar Fabergé Star of David frames, this time by Mikhaïl Perkhin, to follow the photo of the frame I sent you a while ago which is in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Bequest of Lillian Thomas Pratt.
The former was purchased on December 3, 1896 by Tsar Nicholas II, and contained a photo of his second daughter Grand Duchess Tatiana.
It was a cherished possession, and was among the Tsar's belongings taken to the "House of Special Purpose" in Ekaterinburg in April 1918.
The frame on the right hand side of my new slide, attached, has interesting Provenance, suggesting that in this instance.
This Star of David frame was purchased by a Jewish merchant, Boris Leibowitz for his wife née Berch.
By comparing two similar six pointed frames by Fabergé, we can deduce that the Star of David motif resonated strongly with both the Russian Orthodox and Russian Jewish communities of Russia at the end of the 19th Century and early 20th Century. I find it inspiring that the Star of David should be a unifying theme between cultures. These frames give us tangible examples of the enduring and unifying appeal of Sacred Geometry.
With my warmest wishes,
Tim
