Museo Glauco Lombardi, Parma
Historical artwork presented in a generated frame setting.
The story behind the piece
An imperial gift.
In 1811, Napoléon gave Marie-Louise a diamond necklace to celebrate the birth of their son. The historic jewel, now in the Smithsonian’s collection, pairs a graduated line of old mine-cut diamonds with suspended drops.
Robert Lefèvre’s 1812 portrait of Marie-Louise places the necklace within the ceremonial world of the French Empire. LANCRET draws on its cadence, articulated construction and antique-cut light for this High Jewellery design.
The portrait records Marie-Louise wearing the historical necklace that inspired this design.
