Terms and conditions of use
Parure
(c. 1826)
Medium
gold, citrine
Measurements
(a) 7.5 × 17.5 × 7.9 cm (diadem)
(b-c) 24.5 × 12.0 × 1.2 cm (necklace and pendant)
(d) 5.5 × 5.0 × 5.3 cm (bracelet)
(e) 5.5 × 5.0 × 5.3 cm (bracelet)
(f) 6.0 × 3.8 × 1.5 cm (belt slide)
(g) 4.1 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm (earring)
(h) 4.2 × 1.3 × 1.4 cm (earring)
(i) 4.3 × 2.5 × 0.5 cm (fitting)
(j) 4.3 × 2.7 × 0.5 cm (fitting)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1980
Gallery location
18th & 19th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
Although parures have been produced since classical antiquity, they became particularly fashionable during the nineteenth century following the coronation of Napoleon in 1804 and were inspired by Empress Josephine’s opulent taste. This dazzling parure made of gold and citrines is an example of a less-expensive parure that was made for members of the French aristocracy returning from exile to a much-altered country following Napoleon’s reign. As observed by the French jeweller and historian, Henri Vever, such parures ‘were more spectacular than valuable’.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(Paris), France
Inscription
(a) punched in base c.: (horse head in a circle)
Accession Number
D384.a-j-1980
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Dame Carol Colburn-Grigor CBE through Metal Manufactures Limited