Portrait of Catherine de Bourbon
Jan (Johannes) Wierix Netherlandish
Publisher Paul de la Houve French
Not on view
This portrait of Catherine de Bourbon, sister to King Henry IV of France, shows off the full splendor of Renaissance jewelry, in which pearls and gemstones played an important role. They feature in her tiara and earrings, as well as in the buttons and other adornments of her bodice. An elaborate chain necklace made of interlinked pendants inlaid with faceted gemstones and pearls drapes across her shoulders. Catherine’s relationship to the French crown is emphasized by the incorporation of the fleur-de-lis, and the piece is further customized with pendants consisting of four interlocking C’s made entirely of precious stones.
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