

N° 113
Hybrid Brooch, 2022
Sterling silver, glass
Photography: Simon Debbaut-L'Ecluse
Description Estate Inventory (1851):
« Un bracelet avec le portrait du Roi, entouré de brillants, tour de bras avec modèle, gourmette avec chaînon en brillants. »
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A vigorous medallion surrounded by empty diamonds renews the ambiguous intentions of the medallion that once was Leopold’s wedding gift to Louise. Even though this iconic historical jewellery piece appears in various written sources as well as on many of Louise’s portraits, it remains somewhat uncertain in what way this medallion was worn on the body. Therefore, this element of ‘not-knowing’ became a part of its revived design. The loose ‘diamond’ pins, in fact, allow this medallion to relate to the body in any way the wearer wants. However, when worn, the portrait behind the glass remains obscure. Leopold, the man who otherwise adores his shine, seems to reveal himself rather difficultly. Only when the jewellery piece detaches itself from the body and when the wearer enables the medallion to catch the light, the remnants of his miniature depiction appear. Only when permitted by his Queen, the King is given his spotlight.





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