Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Cigarette case with a map of Kronstadt

Admire Henrik Wigström's exquisite gold cigarette case featuring a Kronstadt map – a masterpiece of Fabergé artistry and imperial Russian design.

Henrik Immanuel Wigström (1862-1923) was a leading Fabergé workmaster known for exquisite silver & goldsmithing in Louis XVI, Empire, and neoclassical styles. Creator of hardstone animals, figures & flowers. Discover his legacy!

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (27 August). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Cigarette case with a map of Kronstadt

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Dimensions: 2.2 x 8.4 x 5.5 cm
  • Artistic style: Neoclassical
  • Notable elements: Wave & polka dot engraving
  • Movement: Louis XVI, Empire, Neoclassical
  • Artist: Henrik Immanuel Wigström
  • Year: 1903-08
  • Influences: Michael Perchin

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary subject depicted in Henrik Immanuel Wigström’s ‘Cigarette case with a map of Kronstadt’?
Question 2:
Which artistic style is most prominently reflected in Henrik Immanuel Wigström’s work on this cigarette case?
Question 3:
The intricate detailing of the cigarette case, particularly the guilloché enamel and engraved gold, demonstrates a mastery of which technique?
Question 4:
Henrik Immanuel Wigström is most notably associated with which historical period and artistic movement?
Question 5:
What does the map of Kronstadt on the cigarette case likely symbolize?

Artwork Description

The Imperial Echoes of Kronstadt

Henrik Immanuel Wigström's "Cigarette case with a map of Kronstadt" is more than just a decorative object; it’s a miniature time capsule, a poignant reflection of a turbulent era in Russian history. Crafted in 1903 for the renowned Fabergé workshop, this exquisite piece encapsulates the opulent yet precarious atmosphere surrounding Imperial Russia at the turn of the century. The case itself, rendered in burnished gold and meticulously embellished with guilloché enamel, speaks to Wigström’s mastery of traditional techniques – a legacy inherited from his training at the Finnish Art Academy and honed within Fabergé's exacting environment. The choice of gold immediately establishes a sense of luxury and status, reflecting the wealth and power associated with the Russian court, while the intricate guilloché pattern, achieved through a delicate engraved process, adds a layer of tactile complexity and visual richness.

Cigarette case with a map of Kronstadt

Kronstadt: A Symbol of Rebellion and Resilience

The inclusion of a map of Kronstadt, a fortified island naval base just north of Petrograd, is profoundly significant. Kronstadt’s history is inextricably linked to revolutionary fervor; in 1905, the sailors of Kronstadt staged a daring uprising against the Tsarist regime, demanding democratic reforms and an end to autocracy. This event, brutally suppressed, became a potent symbol of resistance against oppression – a miniature rebellion contained within the confines of this cigarette case. The map itself isn’t merely decorative; it subtly conveys a narrative of defiance and longing for freedom, hinting at the political unrest simmering beneath the surface of Imperial Russia. The island's strategic location further amplifies its symbolic weight, representing both a bastion of revolutionary ideals and a potential point of vulnerability.

Wigström’s Legacy: A Master of Fabergé Elegance

Henrik Immanuel Wigström stands as a pivotal figure within the history of Russian goldsmithing and, crucially, the opulent world of Fabergé. Born in Ekenäs, Finland, Wigström's artistic journey began amidst the burgeoning Art Nouveau movement but swiftly cemented itself within the exacting standards of the Imperial Court, shaping the aesthetic landscape of his era. While overshadowed by his more flamboyant colleague Michael Perchin, Wigström possessed an unparalleled dedication to craftsmanship and a profound understanding of Louis XVI, Empire, and neoclassical styles—qualities that ensured he became Fabergé’s most prolific workmaster after Perchin's untimely demise in 1903. His work is characterized by flawless enamelwork, intricate guilloche engraving, and masterful manipulation of precious metals – elements that contribute to Fabergé’s unparalleled reputation for artistic excellence.

A Glimpse into a Lost World

This cigarette case offers a rare glimpse into the world of Imperial Russia—a society defined by extravagant displays of wealth, intricate courtly rituals, and simmering political tensions. The delicate balance between opulence and rebellion is palpable in every detail, from the shimmering gold to the defiant map of Kronstadt. It’s a testament to Wigström's skill as an artist and his ability to capture the spirit of a bygone era. Today, this piece serves not only as a beautiful object but also as a poignant reminder of a complex and transformative period in Russian history—a silent witness to both grandeur and revolution.


Artist Biography

The Silent Maestro of Fabergé Elegance

Henrik Immanuel Wigström stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Russian goldsmithing and, crucially, the opulent world of Fabergé. Born in Ekenäs, Finland, in 1862, Wigström’s artistic journey began amidst the burgeoning Art Nouveau movement but swiftly cemented itself within the exacting standards of the Imperial Court, shaping the aesthetic landscape of his era. While often overshadowed by his more flamboyant colleague Michael Perchin, Wigström possessed an unparalleled dedication to craftsmanship and a profound understanding of Louis XVI, Empire, and neoclassical styles—qualities that ensured he became Fabergé’s most prolific workmaster after Perchin's untimely demise in 1903.

His formative years were defined by rigorous discipline and a deep-seated fascination for the decorative arts. Wigström received his early artistic education at the Helsingfors Konstakademi (Finnish Art Academy), where he honed his skills in silver and goldsmithing. This grounding in traditional techniques would prove invaluable as he navigated the complexities of the Fabergé workshop, allowing him to master the delicate balance between structural integrity and ornamental splendor.

A Legacy of Imperial Splendor

When Wigström joined the Fabergé atelier in 1903, he inherited a monumental responsibility: maintaining the prestige of the House of Fabergé following the loss of Perchin. He did not merely maintain this standard; he elevated it. Under his leadership, the workshop produced an astonishing array of decorative objects that embodied the grandeur of Imperial Russia. His work is characterized by a refined neoclassical aesthetic, leaning into the elegance of the Louis XVI and Empire styles to create pieces that felt both timeless and profoundly luxurious.

Wigström's artistic output was remarkably diverse, ranging from functional objects of high utility to purely ornamental treasures. His mastery is evident in several key areas:

  • Exquisite Timepieces: He was renowned for creating magnificent table clocks, such as the Moon’s Face Table Clock and the breathtaking Table Clock in the Shape of a Carriage, which showcased his ability to blend mechanical precision with artistic storytelling.
  • Decorative Objects: His repertoire included stunning lorgnettes, intricate ink sets, and delicate silverwork that served as the pinnacle of high-society luxury.
  • Hardstone Artistry: He excelled in crafting hardstone animals, figures, and flowers with remarkable precision, utilizing his deep knowledge of mineral textures to breathe life into inanimate stone.

Technique and Historical Significance

The true genius of Wigström lay in his technical perfectionism. His work is defined by flawless enamelwork, intricate guilloche engraving, and the masterful manipulation of precious metals. Every piece he touched reflected a meticulous attention to detail that satisfied even the most discerning members of the Romanov dynasty. By blending the delicate textures of fine enamel with the structural strength of gold and silver, he created objects that were as much feats of engineering as they were works of art.

As the era of Imperial Russia drew to a close, Wigström’s contributions remained a testament to a vanished world of unparalleled opulence. His ability to interpret historical styles through a modern, refined lens ensured that his work would remain iconic long after the workshops of St. Petersburg fell silent. Today, his legacy lives on through the rare and precious artifacts that continue to captivate collectors, serving as enduring symbols of the height of Fabergé's artistic achievement.

henrik immanuel wigström

henrik immanuel wigström

1862 - 1923 , Finland

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Louis XVI, Empire, Neoclassical
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Michael Evlampievich Perchin']
  • Date Of Birth: October 2, 1862
  • Date Of Death: March 14, 1923
  • Full Name: Henrik Immanuel Wigström
  • Nationality: Finnish
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Miniature Perfume Bottle
    • Ink set
    • Moon’s Face Table Clock
  • Place Of Birth: Ekenäs, Finland
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.