Rijksmuseum

Parure (set of matching jewellery)

Date

c. 1854 - c. 1858

Medium

wool, leather, cardboard, hair, gold (metal), photographic support, velvet (fabric weave), glass

Culture

Utrecht

Institution

Rijksmuseum

The writer and journalist E.J. Potgieter was among the first in the 19th century to devote attention to women from the past. He commissioned this jewellery set as a gift for a relative. The seven depicted Dutch women symbolize decisiveness and fortitude. Potgieter believed his lethargic countrymen could learn a lesson from them. The medallion contains a photograph of Potgieter and a lock of his hair.

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