THE ENLUMINATIONS JEWELRY OF THE RENAISSANCE COURTS

On the occasion of the next edition of Tefaf Maastricht, Les Enluminures will present new wonders.

It should be noted that for this edition, among the manuscripts that make the house famous, Sandra Hindman It holds a new surprise. An exhibition of sixteen remarkable jewels, once worn by the European elite. Thus, one will see necklaces, rings, and amulets.
Esprit Joaillerie gives you a sneak peek at this treasure in advance.

First of all, this pendant depicts King Henry IV of France, which is three quarters complete. It should be noted that the engraved gems and medals played an important role in his artistic patronage. He is directly responsible for the core of the Royal Collection of the Cabinet of Medals in Paris.

Mention should be made of this massive chain in the shape of a ribbon, composed of forty-six oval links in gold-plated silver.
These chains are surprisingly rare today. Because as fashions change, they are often melted down and reused for new jewelry.
Furthermore, another well-known example of a ribbon chain can be found at the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in Munich.
Thus, popular among the German aristocracy, wealthy patricians and the merchant classes, these necklaces are frequently depicted in the paintings of German artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder.
A scientific analysis of this necklace proves that the metal used dates back to the 16th century.

Let’s continue with this ring. The story surrounding it is also linked to the Second World War. In fact, it once belonged to Baron Maurice de Rothschild (1881-1957), one of the richest men in France. Then in 1940, when the Nazis occupied Paris, the Rothschild art collection was looted and the ring disappeared.
So much so that from Jeu de Paume in Paris to Lager Peter in Austria and finally to Munich, this gimmel ring has had a long and arduous journey. Finally, it was returned to the Rothschild family after the war. 

Here is a testimony of the link between the goldsmith’s workshop and the sculptor of the High Renaissance.
As illustrated by this delicate gold chain. It is composed of scalloped pearls enamelled in white, the satyr in gold, adorned with a diamond, displaying all the monumentalism of the bronze statues half-human, half-animal. This work is attributed to Andrea Riccio and his circle, a contemporary master sculptor of Michelangelo’s caliber.
Indeed, from the most complex design to the most beautiful finish, it is a piece of remarkable rarity.

Furthermore, Sandra Hindman And Beatriz Chadour-Sampson also offers a book presenting these wonders: «Living Nobly».

The Enluminures Tefaf Maastricht 2020
Saturday March 7 to Sunday 15, 2020
Stand #276

LesEnluminures.com