Fabergé figurine lost for decades emerges to fetch $5.2 million

A remarkable Fabergé figurine has reemerged from obscurity after spending decades forgotten in an attic in Rhinebeck, New York, commanding $5.2 million at auction. The hardstone figure, which depicts a bodyguard to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, was originally acquired in 1934 before disappearing from public view for nearly 79 years. Its rediscovery and sale marks a significant moment for collectors and institutions focused on imperial Russian decorative arts. The hammer price establishes a new record for Fabergé hardstone figures, underscoring the exceptional quality and historical significance of the piece. The sculpture exemplifies the meticulous artistry characteristic of Fabergé's workshop during the reign of Nicholas II, a period regarded as the pinnacle of Russian imperial luxury goods. The sale reflects growing international interest in early 20th-century Russian imperial collections, with wealthy collectors and museums increasingly seeking authenticated works from this prestigious era. The figurine's reappearance demonstrates how significant artworks continue to surface in private collections across North America, offering new opportunities for scholars and enthusiasts to study and appreciate the masterworks of imperial Russia's most celebrated jeweler and artisan.