- Diadem
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Diadem
- Place of origin:
Paris (made)
- Date:
ca. 1808 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Gold diadem, decorated with enamel and mounted with carnelian intaglios
- Credit Line:
Private Collection
- Museum number:
LOAN:MET ANON.97-1968
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery, case 54, shelf B, box 1
This Tiara or diadem is part of a Neo-classical parure, or set of jewellery, made of ancient Roman engraved gems. It is said to have been given to the Empress Josephine of France by Napoleon’s sister Caroline Murat, who became Queen Consort of Naples in 1808. It is more likely that she simply gave the stones and that Josephine later had them mounted in France.
The 19th century was a period of huge industrial and social change, but in jewellery design the focus was often on the past. In the first decades classical styles were popular, evoking the glories of ancient Greece and Rome. This interest in antiquities was stimulated by fresh archaeological discoveries. Goldsmiths attempted to revive ancient techniques and made jewellery that imitated, or was in the style of, archaeological jewellery.
