Napoleonic Era Jewelry and Fashion

Napoleon Bonaparte fundamentally changed the political geography of Europe, radically and lastingly transforming the continent’s civic landscape within a very short timespan. 2019 marked the anniversary of his birthday: 250 years have gone by since the birth of the French general, politician and emperor. Like Alexander von Humboldt, who revolutionised people’s view of nature and […]

A Gilded Funeral Wreath

Lavishly decorating the deceased with fragrant ointments, wine and wreaths dates as far back as 400 BC, serving as a gift of sorts to accompany the dead in the afterlife.   While botanical accoutrements like flowers and twigs wrapped in bronze and copper sheet metal were common to the working class, the richer folk were […]