Amazon.com Review
This fascinating collection of sumptuous rings, snuffboxes, signets, and other personal effects of the tsars and their families is a treat for the eye as well as an informative porthole into history. The collection includes pieces made by European goldsmiths that reflect the controversial Europeanization of Russian art and culture that began shortly after Peter the Great established St. Petersburg as the capital of the country in the early 18th century. The snuffboxes are particularly exceptional and varied--one is in the shape of a pug, another's lid is comprised of one large gemstone, and yet another is a brilliantly colored enameled peacock--and attest to the creativity of the craftspeople. The intricate portrait rings are unusual and ablaze with gemstones, and the intricate coasters, plates, chalices, and other household items illustrate the skill of these ancient artisans. The book is a sumptuous feast that will likely leave readers longing for a visit to the Hermitage to see more.
From Library Journal
In line with current interest in the splendors of imperial Russia, this book features some of the finest examples of snuffboxes, jewelry, and other trinkets representing artistry by mostly foreign goldsmiths working in Russia from the early 18th to the late 19th century. The full-color photographs are excellent and show every detail. After a lengthy introduction outlining the history of the artifacts and the royalty who owned them, the text consists of expanded captions. The descriptions seem meticulous, yet the stones for one pair of earrings are once called "aqua-marines," then "amethysts." The text appears in both German and English, and Russian-language sources cited in the notes or bibliography are displayed only in the original Cyrillic, limiting the usefulness to general readership. Despite its beautiful production, this book is recommended only for comprehensive design and jewelry collections where there is a strong interest in tsarist luxuries.?Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
