Created by Theo Fabergé
Theo Fabergé has been commissioned by the White House 200th Anniversary Committee to create an art work that embodies the essence of what has been home to the American first families for two centuries. The result is a treasure that evokes the 200 year history of this American landmark, which looks forward to the new millennium.
The front of the Egg features a bas relief depiction of the Great American Seal, within the panels to the left and to the right of the seal feature the portraits of the first occupants of the White House, John and Abigail Adams. On the reverse of the egg appear the memorable words penned by John Adams “Before I end my letter, I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”
On top of the egg, rests the fiercely majestic American Eagle, made from vermeil, with diamonds. The left eye, a black diamond looks towards the sheath of arrows clutched within its talons. The right eye, a white diamond looks towards the olive branch of peace. Within the egg, the surprise, a miniature replica of the White House, made from silver and 24 carat gold. The base on which the White House stands is ornately worked in a geometric patterning echoing the fanlights found over the front door of the White House.
Theo Fabergé has selected artist and craftsman Stephen Weston to produce each of the 325 limited editions using Theo Fabergé’s moulds and drawings. Each will still be carefully inspected by a representative from the St. Petersburg Collection prior to being numbered and given its certificate of authenticity. In addition to its number and Theo Fabergé signature, each creation will bear the White House 200th Anniversary stamp.
The White House Egg serves to fulfill the mission of the Anniversary Committee by raising funds for the educational programs designed to bring a better understanding of the White House and all it represents to children around the globe. A portion of the proceeds of each White House Egg sold will go to the Anniversary Committee to support their cause.