$7,821
Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, composed of eighty-seven saltwater pearls and one freshwater pearl graduating in size from 7. 55 x 7.48 mm to 4.44 mm, completed by a rose-cut diamond clasp with platinum-topped gold mount, lg. 23 5/8 in., (with one additional pearl). Note: Accompanied by GIA report no. 2105712757 dated May 1, 2009, stating that the pearls are natural, eighty-seven saltwater and one freshwater, with no evidence of treatment. Provenance: Descendants of the Belle Epoque actress Rejane. Rejane (1865-1920) was a great actress of the Belle Epoque, and an early international celebrity. She was a star of the popular theater, the queen of French comedy, vaudeville and light drama. Her personality and intelligence also inspired the admiration of contemporary artists and intellectuals. She was the ideal Parisienne, a woman of inexplicable charm, elegance, and wit, and a leader of fashion. A muse of the great Parisian couturier Doucet, Rejane was one of the best dressed women in Paris. Aubrey Beardsley sketched her at least six times in his brief career, and no less than three portraits by her friend, the celebrity portraitist Giovanni Boldini, survive. Albert Besnard's 1900 Salon portrait of Rejane, in a flowing pink gown, was considered 'epoch making' by contemporary writers, and was 'continually surrounded by groups of worshippers and detractors'. Her likeness was also painted by John Singer Sargent, James Jacques Tissot and Toulouse-Lautrec. Although Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-06-16
