The Queen's Treasures
Treasures in the Royal Collection
The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
March 14 - September 28 2008
Title: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Diamond Drop Earrings, c.1930
© 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Image Courtesy: The Royal Collection
Royalty and gems go hand in hand. An exhibition looking just a portion of the treasures found in Queen
Elizabeth II's Royal Collection will have to feature some brilliant jewels such as the
c. 1930 Diamond Drop Earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Tiaras
Title: The Regal Indian Tiara, 1853
© 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Image Courtesy: The Royal Collection
The Regal Indian Tiara will be a highlight of this exhibit soon to open at the Queen's
Gallery at Buckingham Palace, London. It is also called the Indian Ruby Tiara or the Oriental Circlet Tiara. Prince
Albert designed the piece in 1853 for his wife, Queen Victoria. Originally Albert had it set with opals, simply
because he liked the appearance of the iridescent gemstone. This piece was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth,
the Queen Mother, who was frequently pictured wearing the tiara.
Canaletto
Title: London View , c. 1746-1750
Artist: Giovanni Antonio Canal called Canaletto (Italian 1697-1768)
© 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Image Courtesy: The Royal Collection
Royalty throughout the ages have been art collectors and patrons. The Queen has an extensive collection of
works by Canaletto.
Venetian born Canaletto found his work coveted by upper-class English
travelers on the "Grand Tour". But
the War of the Austrian Succession from 1740-1748, disrupted vacationers and thus Canaletto's income.
The Italian artist moved to London in 1746 in effect following his market. He remained in England
for nearly ten years, returning to Venice in 1755. During his London years he produced multiple canvases
of city and of course castles and houses belonging to his patrons.
Among Canaletto's patrons was the British merchant Joseph Smith who became British Consul
in Venice in 1744. Smith amassed a large collection of Canaletto's and eventually sold them to King
George III. The Queen's Canaletto collection is likely the largest grouping of works by this artist held anywhere
in the world today.
Thomas Gainsborough
Title: Diana and Actaeon, c.1786
Artist: Thomas Gainsborough (English 1727-1788)
© 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Image Courtesy: The Royal Collection
Homegrown talent is a must for Royalty to support and include in their collection. English artist
Thomas Gainsborough, was one of the best known portraitists of his era.
Like many artists Gainsborough struggled at first to support himself and his family with his craft. It is believed
that it was his 1780 commission to paint a portrait of King George III and Queen Charlotte. His successful
completion of this work led to further royal orders. Gainsborough became the Royal Family's favorite painter.
It was his landscapes where he found true inspiration, it was his main love. Portraits could be known
to bore him. Constable once remarked of Gainsborough's work, "on looking at them,
we find tears in our eyes and know not what brings them."
Diana and Actaeon is the story of the huntress, hunted. Actaeon, son of King Cadmus, had the misfortune
to walk upon the goddess as she was bathing. Furious Diana reacted by changing the hunter into a stag. His hunting
party chase him down and kill him. What is most interesting about this particular work is Gainsborough rarely
painted mythological scenes. This painting will be a highlight of the
exhibit.
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Title: Riesener Jewel Cabinet, 1787
Artist: Jean-Henri Riesener (German 1734–1806)
© 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Image Courtesy: The Royal Collection
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All those Royal Jewels need a place to reside when they aren't being worn and not part of the Crown
Jewels found at the Tower of London. Jean-Henri Riesener was born in Gladbeck, close to Essen, Germany.
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At the age of 20 he moved to France and apprenticed under Jean-François Oeben. Fourteen years
later Riesener was honored when Louis XVI granted him the title, "ébéniste ordinaire du roi" or King's Cabinetmaker.
Riesener's works often included floral and figural marquetry. During the French Revolution he
was hired to remove all "insignia of feudality" from the furniture that he had made for the royals and
nobility. He made a serious error in judgment causing an economic downturn from which he never recovered.
During the revolution many of his works came on the market cheaply. He bought them back at bargain basement
prices, but when he went to resell them he discovered tastes had changed, bringing him financial ruin. He
died in poverty.
The British Royal Family have, over the centuries, amassed an incredible collection of art works, gems,
jewels, and decorative items. This is an incredible collection and the opportunity to view highlights and
treasures shouldn't be missed. Cross the pond enjoy the wonderful city of London and stop off at
Buckingham Palace to visit the Queen's Gallery.
Treasures in the Royal Collection
The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace:
March 14 - September 28 2008
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