Barbara Villiers

This elegant brooch takes as its theme the symbols of love. Cupid’s bow and arrows (two loose and three in the quiver) are arranged with a pair of doves, two hearts on fire and a hymeneal torch (named after Hymen, the Greek goddess of marriage). They form a diagonal composition of great effectiveness. Like most jewellery produced in France soon after the Revolution of 1789, it is made of thin gold and contains few precious stones.

Ancient Societies, Antiques Miscellany, Art, Creativity, Cultural Development, Design History & Decorative Arts, Design Styles, Fashion, Society & Style, Featured, Historic Costume, Social History, Textiles, The Culture Concept, Visual ArtsFebruary 14, 2014

Love Jewellery – Restoration to Revolution Pt 2

By Carolyn McDowall

Charles II on his Restoration to the English throne gave himself up completely to luxury adorning himself with sumptuous textiles and jewels

Art, Arts & Culture Conversations, Community Events, Creativity, Cultural Development, Design Styles, Fashion, Society & Style, Featured, Historic Costume, Humanities, Jewellery-Antiques & Modern, Learn About Art, Paintings & Sculpture, Portraiture, Profile, Social History, Textiles, The Culture Concept, Visual ArtsApril 16, 2013

In Fine Style – Art of Tudor & Stuart Court Fashion on Show

By Carolyn McDowall

In Fine Style at the Queen’s Gallery explores the costume worn by British monarchs during the 16th and 17th centuries through portraits in the Royal Collection