|
The Devonshire Parure
The coronation of Tsar Alexander II of Russian took place in 1856
and this remarkable parure was created to contain 88 cameos and
intaglios from the famed Devonshire collection.

It consists of seven items in all, the most impressive being the
huge stomacher. Sir Joseph Paxton chose C.F. Hancock to carry out
the work and among the several claimants for the design were the
Duke himself as well as Mr. Hancock. The parure is mounted in enamelled
gold and it is in the design of the enamelling that the term "Holbeinesque"
has come to be recognised. Hancocks sold many such pieces, and,
rightly, was recorded as the originator of the design. |

|