Earrings
ca. 1808 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This pair of earrings is part of a Neo-classical parure, or set of jewellery, is 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.
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.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Gold earrings with enamel set with carnelian Roman intaglios |
Brief description | Carnelians set in enamelled gold, Paris, about 1808, intaglios mostly 100 BC–AD 200, probably carved in Italy |
Physical description | Gold earrings with enamel set with carnelian Roman intaglios (100BC - 200AD) |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Private Collection |
Summary | This pair of earrings is part of a Neo-classical parure, or set of jewellery, is 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. |
Collection | |
Accession number | LOAN:MET ANON.98:1, 2-1968 |
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Record created | August 1, 2007 |
Record URL |
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