The provenance says Pauline Borghese, thence by descent. Christies has included a black-and-white picture of a woman wearing the tiara and several ears of wheat on her dress. I would guess it is from between the wars (1920s or 30s), but that's only a guess. I cannot see her identified. Does anyone know who she is?
At 9 November 2021 in Geneva the Magnificent Jewels Auction of Christies will happen. As known the bracelets of Queen Marie Antoinette will be auctioned, probably unique in its original setting and historical – and for some emotional – dimension. But there is another very old jewel in connection with french history, the ears of wheat tiara of Pauline Borghese, the sister of Napoleon I. According to the catalogue Pauline is wearing this tiara during the coronation of Napoleon and Josefine, painted by David. At the enormous painting she stands behind the empress. For my knowledge, this its the only tiara with some evidence has been worn at this important event. For age and provenience it stands in line with jewels like the Danish ruby parure, the Cameo Diadem of the royal house of Sweden and other jewellery of the Napoleonic era. As the bracelets of Marie Antoinette it deserves to find a place in the Louvre. The tiara contains of eighteen (!) ears of wheat, set in silver and gold. Regarding it is two hundred years old, it hasn´t lost its elegance and it is still very wearable today.
Geneva Magnificent Jewels (christies.com)
Or at the e-catalgue
and
https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6339131?ldp_breadcrumb=back&intObjectID=6339131&from=salessummary&lid=1
336
Responses
« Back to index | View thread »