Watch The Genius of Carl Faberge

The Genius of Carl Faberge is a fascinating and informative documentary series that explores the life and work of the famous Russian jeweller and artist, Carl Faberge. This captivating show takes viewers on a journey through Faberge's life, tracing his early beginnings and rise to fame as the creator of the famous Faberge eggs, as well as other exquisite works of art and jewellery.

Narrated by leading art historian, Professor Simon Schama, the series provides a detailed and in-depth look at Faberge's work, including his iconic eggs, which were created for the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. Each episode of the series focuses on a different aspect of Faberge's life and work, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable artist.

The first episode of the series focuses on Faberge's upbringing and early years, exploring the influences that shaped his career as a jeweller and artist. We learn about Faberge's family history, including his father's successful jewellery business in St Petersburg, and how this inspired him to pursue a career in the same field. We also see his artistic talent emerge from a young age, as he begins to create his own designs and acquire a taste for the finest materials.

In subsequent episodes, we see Faberge's career take off as he becomes an established jeweller in St Petersburg, and we delve into the details of his most famous creations, the Imperial Easter eggs. These intricate and highly detailed eggs, made for the Russian Tsars, were created as gifts to their wives and were considered to be some of the most exquisite works of art of the time. We see how Faberge's creativity and craftsmanship went into every detail, from the enamel work to the jewelled embellishments, and how each egg represented an idea or theme that was important to the Tsars.

Throughout the series, we are treated to glimpses of Faberge's other works, including his stunning jewellery designs and decorative objects, such as enamelled boxes, clocks and picture frames. We learn about his innovations in jewellery design, his use of materials such as Romanov-era gold and Siberian amethyst, and how he incorporated Russian traditional themes and designs into his creations.

One of the significant highlights of The Genius of Carl Faberge is the use of high-quality footage and photography of Faberge's creations, which allows us to appreciate the intricate details of each piece of art. We see close up shots of the tiny jewels and delicate enamelling, which brings to life the experience of seeing these works of art in person. The series also features interviews with leading historians and experts in the field of Faberge research, who provide valuable insights into his life and work.

Finally, the series explores the legacy of Carl Faberge and his contribution to the field of jewellery design and decorative art. We see how his work has continued to inspire subsequent generations of jewellers and artists, and how his creations have become world-renowned symbols of luxury and craftsmanship. In the final episode, we see how Faberge's work has been celebrated in exhibitions and collections around the world, cementing his place in the pantheon of great artists and craftsmen.

In conclusion, The Genius of Carl Faberge is a must-watch series for anyone with an interest in art, jewellery or Russian history. It provides a detailed and fascinating insight into the life and work of one of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries and is sure to leave viewers in awe of his creativity and skill.

The Genius of Carl Faberge is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between June 24, 2013 and on BBC Select