MOSNIER Jean-Laurent (1743-1808). - Lot 129

Lot 129
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Estimation :
6000 - 8000 EUR
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Result : 17 388EUR
MOSNIER Jean-Laurent (1743-1808). - Lot 129
MOSNIER Jean-Laurent (1743-1808). Portrait of Queen Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793). Small oval-shaped pendant medallion, signed lower right by the artist Mosnier and dated 1776, containing a miniature painted on ivory depicting the young sovereign wearing a white gown and displaying feathers and pearls in her hair, under a curved glass on one side; on the reverse side are locks of intertwined hair belonging to the queen. This precious reliquary medallion is preserved in its original inviolate setting. This makes it of great historical value. Slight wear, but good overall condition. H. 3.5 cm - L. 2.8 cm. History: the first "hair" jewelry dates back to the 14th century. As the only part of the body that doesn't rot, they are akin to true relics. Hair jewelry symbolizes a profound mark of affection on the part of both wearer and giver. Marie-Antoinette is just one of the historical figures who gave a few privileged people in her entourage a piece of jewelry embellished with a lock of her hair. In 2008, Christie's sold a ring containing the intertwined hair of the queen and king Louis XVI, given to Louise-Elisabeth de Croÿ d'Havré (1749-1832), the last governess of the royal children. Cutting a lock of hair meant giving of oneself, which explains and justifies the preciousness of such a gift at the time. It is therefore certain that this precious and rare historical souvenir was given by the sovereign to an intimate of her entourage.
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