Ravishing Large Antique 19th Century French Gilded Religious Diadem Crown
$595.00
***SOLD****The very large central flower is embellished with the most beautiful faceted rose colored glass stones. This crown would have adorned a large statue of the Madonna. It dates circa 1890. This is a stamped model, made in a professional atelier in Paris, using the same quality and materials as the fine non-precious jewelry of the period.
In the nineteenth century, many exquisite accessories adorned the interiors small and large churches in Europe. Heavily gilded adornments were specific to France. During the mid 1940's the mindset changed and all "unnecessary" adornments were ordered by the Diocese to be removed from the churches. Today, we rarely see a crowned statue.
This glorious example begins with a cast bronze/brass frame. Delicate scrolls, flowers, half gloves and flowers are woven together in a lace work design. Because the crown was meant to be viewed from below; the front of the diadem was angled outward, which increased the visibility and gave an illusion of largesse. The bottom band serves as a channel for 21 bezel set glass stones. The face of the crown has one large central flower and two very delicate scrollwork flowers to the right and left (set with clear and green glass stones). There are two small flowers, set with large ruby glass stones.
It measures: 2 1/4" tall at the front center, sloping to 1 1/4" tall at each side. The central flower is 2 1/2" tall. The crown is in very good antique condition: brilliant patina, all stones present. There is slight irregular bending to the bottom band as is typical with a crown which has rested on a statue's head.
It is a precious example, which has a special history. This quality and size is nonexistent in today's antique market.
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