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'Kings of the World' at Fontainebleau
Posted by Thomas on October 6, 2018, 5:03 am
At long last, I was finally able to go to Fontainebleau, to see the exhibition of the Al Thani collection "Rois du monde - Art et pouvoir royal à travers les chefs-d'œuvre de la collection Al Thani", which lasts until Monday 8 October.
The exhibit is presented in the Ball Room of the Château, with a rather elegant scenography: the showcases imitate the original décor of elaborate wood panelling covering the walls. Since most pieces are displayed near the windows, the sheer curtains let the bright sunlight through, creating a most unusual effect, especially on jewels.
Much to my dismay, photography was strictly forbidden, so I will use images from various sources to illustrate the jewels shown.
Some well-known pieces from the Al Thani Collection were shown, such as the "Rose" brooch of Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, by Mellerio dits Meller, c. 1864-65.
Other jewels were more of a surprise: the diamond tiara of Princess Maria Francesca of Savoy and the emerald necklace of Princess Hélène of Orléans were displayed as they could have been worn, a very successful way to present such exceptional (and big!) jewels, if you ask me.
According to the catalogue, this impressive Diamond Tiara with "fleurs de lys" was made by Petochi, in Rome, c. 1935-1939. It was a wedding gift from King Victor Emmanuel III to his daughter Princess Maria Francesca (1914-2001) on her 1939 wedding to Prince Louis of Bourbon Parma. The diamonds came from the treasury of the House of Savoy.
I don't think the tiara ever appeared in public auction, so how and when it was acquired by the Sheik Al Thani is a bit of a mystery.
I only found one photo of the tiara being worn, taken at the wedding of Prince Guy of Bourbon Parma (Maria's son) and Brigitte Peu-Duvallon, in Cannes (France), 7 July 1964.
The better-known Emerald necklace of Hélène of Orléans, Duchess of Aosta is also in the Al Thani Collection, it was last sold publicly at Christie's Geneva, 10 November 2015. Possibly French, early 19th century. Wedding gift from Henri of Orléans, Duke of Aumale.
The necklace actually looks much better "in the flesh" than on photographs: the emeralds are staggeringly beautiful: rich coloured, brilliant, and of exceptional purity.
Another very impressive emerald jewel was the "Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch" (sold Christie's New York, 22 April 2010). The hexagonal emerald weighs no less than 60 carats!
Another stone with a reported imperial provenance was this Sapphire and diamond pendant-brooch, 19th century composite. By family tradition, the 43.27 cts sapphire belonged to Empress Joséphine (Sold Sotheby's Geneva 14 May 2013; later (c. 2014) with the Gallery Martin du Daffoy, Paris; The Al-Thani Collection)
The sapphire has lots of inclusions and looks duller than it does in photographs, and to be honest, relying on the stone's appearance only, I doubt it ever belonged to Joséphine.
Back in 2014, Arthur on the RJWMB had photographed the brooch at the Biennale des Antiquaires, in the shop of Martin du Daffoy, a Parisian expert from whom the Sheik could have acquired it.
Also on display, a very recent addition to the collection: the tiny 'Maria Fitzherbert Jewel', a diamond-glazed locket containing a portrait of the Prince of Wales (George IV). London, circa 1800. (Sold Christie's London, 6 July 2017)
Other precious-looking objects were displayed, such as the delicate Telescope of King Farouk of Egypt. Switzerland, 19th Century, Gold, Diamonds & Enamel. It was advertised by the M.S. Rau Antiques Gallery, in New Orleans, as having (possibly) been made for Empress Joséphine…
One of my favourites was this exceptional Bust of Emperor Hadrian. Head, probably southern Italy, c. 1240 and Bust, Venice, c. 1550-1600. Chalcedony, silver gilt, enamel and pearls.
Finally, a piece that doesn't quite belong to this world: The Duke of York's extraordinary candelabrum, depicting 'Hercules killing the Lernean Hydra', made by Edward Farrell (1779-1850), England, 1824-1825. It was part of a larger ensemble, some elements of which are at the V&A Museum in London. (Sold Christie's London, March 2017)
In short, it is a magnificent display, in one of France's most impressive royal treasures, fit to showcase a fraction of what must be, at this time, one of the most important art collections in the world.
The one thing I dislike about the Collection is its strange policies: no photos (even the auction notices of some of these objects are no longer illustrated), few scientifically-researched information available about the artworks (especially regarding provenance), and expansive catalogues, not to mention little communication to the press, save for a few photos with brief notes and extensive copyright mentions!
GOOD TO KNOW (nonetheless…): For our American fellows: the exhibition will travel to the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco (3rd November 2018 – 24th February 2019).
PS: Tinypic is currently down, so I hope the pictures will appear in their original HQ dimensions. Let me know if there is any problem.
Incredible. Thank you so much Thomas for another extremely interesting post full of detail which will take me some time to work through.
The photos you choose are superb. What a shame that the exhibition organisers do not allow photography. I feel that denies visitors the ability to relive their experiences.
Congratulations on finding the photo of the tiara being worn -- that must have taken you some considerable time to find.
Re: 'Kings of the World' at Fontainebleau. The Aosta emerald necklace
Thomas, I was taken by your opinion of the necklace; that it looks smaller than it does in photos and that the emeralds were of exceptional purity.
With regard to the latter comment - do you mean that these emeralds have only a few visible inclusions? For emeralds of such a size that would make them extremely valuable. Do you know if the stones are foiled?
Thank you Thomas for another exceptional post! As always, it was a pleasure to read!
I have been researching on Princess Maria Francesca's Tiara for a future post! I found a picture of her wearing it at Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia and Princess Maria Pia of Italy’s Pre-Wedding Gala in Portugal in 1955 .
Thank you Thomas for another exceptional post! As always, it was a pleasure to read!
I have been researching on Princess Maria Francesca's Tiara for a future post! I found a picture of her wearing it at Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia and Princess Maria Pia of Italy’s Pre-Wedding Gala in Portugal in 1955 .
Many thanks The Royal Watcher! The Princess was beautiful, and so elegant! I must confess that although I read about the life of Victor Emmanuel III (a most fascinating character), his daughter had escaped my attention!
I look forward reading your article: beyond its sheer beauty, the tiara is interesting in itself, as the symbol of the reconciliation of two Italian royal families. I love the fact it bears Bourbon symbols and Savoy heirlooms... such an appropriate gift!
I don't know if you found further information about it, but I do wonder if the lillies may have been added later, as they seem to be removable elements.
Previous Message
Thank you Thomas for another exceptional post! As always, it was a pleasure to read!
I have been researching on Princess Maria Francesca's Tiara for a future post! I found a picture of her wearing it at Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia and Princess Maria Pia of Italy’s Pre-Wedding Gala in Portugal in 1955 .
Great stuff Thomas, the tiara is just magnificent and spectacular. One has to wonder what life would be like if the French, Austrian,Greek and Italian royal houses were still reigning, especially the French one.
Regards,
Dave.
Previous Message
At long last, I was finally able to go to Fontainebleau, to see the exhibition of the Al Thani collection "Rois du monde - Art et pouvoir royal à travers les chefs-d'œuvre de la collection Al Thani", which lasts until Monday 8 October.
The exhibit is presented in the Ball Room of the Château, with a rather elegant scenography: the showcases imitate the original décor of elaborate wood panelling covering the walls. Since most pieces are displayed near the windows, the sheer curtains let the bright sunlight through, creating a most unusual effect, especially on jewels.
Much to my dismay, photography was strictly forbidden, so I will use images from various sources to illustrate the jewels shown.
Some well-known pieces from the Al Thani Collection were shown, such as the "Rose" brooch of Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, by Mellerio dits Meller, c. 1864-65.
Other jewels were more of a surprise: the diamond tiara of Princess Maria Francesca of Savoy and the emerald necklace of Princess Hélène of Orléans were displayed as they could have been worn, a very successful way to present such exceptional (and big!) jewels, if you ask me.
According to the catalogue, this impressive Diamond Tiara with "fleurs de lys" was made by Petochi, in Rome, c. 1935-1939. It was a wedding gift from King Victor Emmanuel III to his daughter Princess Maria Francesca (1914-2001) on her 1939 wedding to Prince Louis of Bourbon Parma. The diamonds came from the treasury of the House of Savoy.
I don't think the tiara ever appeared in public auction, so how and when it was acquired by the Sheik Al Thani is a bit of a mystery.
I only found one photo of the tiara being worn, taken at the wedding of Prince Guy of Bourbon Parma (Maria's son) and Brigitte Peu-Duvallon, in Cannes (France), 7 July 1964.
The better-known Emerald necklace of Hélène of Orléans, Duchess of Aosta is also in the Al Thani Collection, it was last sold publicly at Christie's Geneva, 10 November 2015. Possibly French, early 19th century. Wedding gift from Henri of Orléans, Duke of Aumale.
The necklace actually looks much better "in the flesh" than on photographs: the emeralds are staggeringly beautiful: rich coloured, brilliant, and of exceptional purity.
Another very impressive emerald jewel was the "Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch" (sold Christie's New York, 22 April 2010). The hexagonal emerald weighs no less than 60 carats!
Another stone with a reported imperial provenance was this Sapphire and diamond pendant-brooch, 19th century composite. By family tradition, the 43.27 cts sapphire belonged to Empress Joséphine (Sold Sotheby's Geneva 14 May 2013; later (c. 2014) with the Gallery Martin du Daffoy, Paris; The Al-Thani Collection)
The sapphire has lots of inclusions and looks duller than it does in photographs, and to be honest, relying on the stone's appearance only, I doubt it ever belonged to Joséphine.
Back in 2014, Arthur on the RJWMB had photographed the brooch at the Biennale des Antiquaires, in the shop of Martin du Daffoy, a Parisian expert from whom the Sheik could have acquired it.
Also on display, a very recent addition to the collection: the tiny 'Maria Fitzherbert Jewel', a diamond-glazed locket containing a portrait of the Prince of Wales (George IV). London, circa 1800. (Sold Christie's London, 6 July 2017)
Other precious-looking objects were displayed, such as the delicate Telescope of King Farouk of Egypt. Switzerland, 19th Century, Gold, Diamonds & Enamel. It was advertised by the M.S. Rau Antiques Gallery, in New Orleans, as having (possibly) been made for Empress Joséphine…
One of my favourites was this exceptional Bust of Emperor Hadrian. Head, probably southern Italy, c. 1240 and Bust, Venice, c. 1550-1600. Chalcedony, silver gilt, enamel and pearls.
Finally, a piece that doesn't quite belong to this world: The Duke of York's extraordinary candelabrum, depicting 'Hercules killing the Lernean Hydra', made by Edward Farrell (1779-1850), England, 1824-1825. It was part of a larger ensemble, some elements of which are at the V&A Museum in London. (Sold Christie's London, March 2017)
In short, it is a magnificent display, in one of France's most impressive royal treasures, fit to showcase a fraction of what must be, at this time, one of the most important art collections in the world.
The one thing I dislike about the Collection is its strange policies: no photos (even the auction notices of some of these objects are no longer illustrated), few scientifically-researched information available about the artworks (especially regarding provenance), and expansive catalogues, not to mention little communication to the press, save for a few photos with brief notes and extensive copyright mentions!
GOOD TO KNOW (nonetheless…): For our American fellows: the exhibition will travel to the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco (3rd November 2018 – 24th February 2019).
PS: Tinypic is currently down, so I hope the pictures will appear in their original HQ dimensions. Let me know if there is any problem.
That photo of the Mellerio diamond rose is really very similar to the one I published on my Instagram. Even the shade is the same. Except mine is clearer. Lol
Re: diamond rose brooch - POST EDITED
Posted by Thomas on October 10, 2018, 2:11 am, in reply to "diamond rose brooch "
Welcome Vincent, and thank you for noticing this misappropriation of you work: it seems your photo was cropped and reused by this person, which did fool me.
Assuming that you don't mind me sharing your picture here, I have edited my original post to acknowledge due credits.
Please let me know if you oppose use of your Instagram content on the board, I will gladly suppress the picture!
Best regards, Thomas
Previous Message
That photo of the Mellerio diamond rose is really very similar to the one I published on my Instagram. Even the shade is the same. Except mine is clearer. Lol
Don't worry about that Thomas. hat is very decent of you. I was just mentioning this as I am always surprised of such behavior; I know that is impossible to control anything on the net. And you would be surprised of what i see. in any case. Thank you. Best Vincent
on October 6, 2018, 5:03 am
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