N° 221

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‘Broochelet’ set, 2022

Sterling silver, horse hair

Photography: Simon Debbaut-L’Ecluse

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Description Estate Inventory (1851):

« Deux bracelets, avec tour de bras tressé en cheveux & fermoirs en or, renfermant l’un le portrait en miniature de feu le Roi Louis Philippe & l’autre celui de la Reine Marie-Amélie & sur le revers de ce dernier fermoir est gravé ‘L. 21 mai 1825’. »

Two historical bracelets with miniature portraits have become two silver ‘broochelets’. Both miniatures, which are renewed as small ethereal rose windows, have detached themselves from the bracelets they once belonged to, allowing them to be pinned anywhere on the dressed body. At the time, Louise received these portrait pieces from her parents on the day of her communion. In this holy setting, both parents bejewelled Louise, and wished their daughter the best the world could offer her. One can imagine how sentiments of pride and parental acknowledgement can brighten up a child’s confidence. Therefore, these abstracted portrait medallions present themselves best as epaulettes. Mounted on the shoulders, the two ‘broochelets’ tend to straighten the back and raise the head. They enhance one’s posture and empower the youngster’s ability to thrive.