House of Fabergé (Russian, 1846–1920) and Henrik Wigström, workmaster. Imperial Rose Trellis Egg. Gold, enamel, diamonds, 1907. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland 44.50

Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique

February 7, 2009 - May 31, 2009

Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique is the first comparative study of the work of the three greatest jewelry and decorative arts designers at the turn of the 20th century: Peter Carl Fabergé, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and René Lalique. Their rivalry found its stage at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris—the only exposition where all three showed simultaneously and where the work of each was prominently displayed. Some of their most elaborate designs for the Paris World's Fair are reunited for the first time in a gallery recreating the ambiance of this opulent international exposition. Looking critically at the development, design, and marketing of each firm, this exhibition explores how these designers responded to the demand for luxury goods in the years leading up to World War I.

Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique is organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art. The San Francisco presentation is made possible by MAJOR PATRONS John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn LEAD SPONSOR William Fries, II SPONSORS Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goss, II Mr. and Mrs. F. Scott Gross Diana Dollar Knowles SUPPORTERS Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus Andrews, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Bowles Mr. and Mrs. Staffan Encrantz Mrs. George Hopper Fitch Fifth Age of Man Foundation Generous support has also been provided by the Clare C. McEvoy Charitable Remainder Unitrust and Jay D. McEvoy Trust, the Hurlbut-Johnson Charitable Trusts, and through bequests from Alfred H. Peet, the Evelyn A. Westberg Trust, and the Michael J. Weller Trust.