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Piguet Hôtel des Ventes

2312 - François Birbaum (1872-1947), Snow-covered fir trees, pastel…
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Estimate CHF 500 - CHF 700
Sale commission
Description
François Birbaum (1872-1947), Snow-covered fir trees, pastel on paper, signed, 19x27 cm (on view) A Swiss painter, draughtsman and goldsmith, François Birbaum enjoyed a singular destiny that took him from the Lower Town of Fribourg to the Imperial Court of Russia. Hired by the prestigious Fabergé company in 1893, he quickly established himself as one of its leading designers. Known as Frantz Petrovich, he rose to the rank of "First Master" and helped to create more than half of the famous imperial eggs commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. His role within the company was decisive, both in terms of creation and the development of production processes. After the October Revolution, in which he took part, Birbaum was arrested and forced to leave Russia in 1920. On his return to Switzerland, he settled in Aigle, where he began a new phase in his career, devoting himself in particular to watercolours, drawing and goldsmithing. Between 1942 and 1945, in parallel with his artistic activity, he produced a sarcophagus made of Saillon marble and inlaid with serpentine cabochons, which he donated to the Abbey of Saint-Maurice. His works regularly appear on the art market, mainly in the category of drawings and watercolours, testifying to a protean talent at the crossroads of the decorative and fine arts.
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About the sale ONLINE 2092 to 2674 - Books and manuscripts - Paintings and sculptures
Auction location
Auction time 06/10/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits:
Piguet Hôtel des Ventes Genève
See original version (French)
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