Saturday, February 11, 2017

Pearl Parure after Caroline Murat Bonaparte by Elisabeth vigee LeBrun, 1807

     A client requested a special custom order to go with a gown she was making - the pearl parure shown in the painting of Caroline Murat Bonaparte by LeBrun.  To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about making it.  How in the world would I put it together?  I decided to take the challenge, and thought about the design and construction for quite some time.  

Portrait of Caroline Murat Bonaparte by Elisabeth vigee LeBrun, 1807
(Wikimedia Commons)

Detail of the Portrait of Caroline Murat Bonaparte by Elisabeth vigee LeBrun, 1807 
(Wikimedia Commons) 


     Realizing that the tiara being worn by Caroline was possibly a headband of some type that wrapped towards the back of her head, I wondered at how it could stay on without many many pins - which is how she must have worn it.  Deciding I wanted something a bit easier to put in the hair and that would last for my client, I put it on a tiara base instead.


Tiara - the beauty of this design is that it can be worn up front or in the back of an up-do

Full parure - tiara, belt/sash, necklace, bracelets, and earrings

 Belt/Sash - hooks added to the back of the cameo, and at the ends to her gown so as not to put any pressure on the piece and give the illusion of a full belt



Earrings - sterling silver earwires with a white cultured pearl button cabochon and a vintage glass dimpled pearl teardrop 

Bracelet clasp detail