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Hair ornament with antennae
René Lalique (French, 1860–1945)
French
about 1900
Medium/Technique
Gold, silver, steel, and diamond
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 8.8 x 12.5 x 7 cm (3 7/16 x 4 15/16 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Sataloff and Cluchey Family
Accession Number2008.68
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Hair ornaments
DescriptionThis hair ornament with its whimsical character is a unique piece by Lalique. It features the unusual exclusive use of diamonds which were sparingly used by the Art Nouveau jewelers who preferred less precious stones and enamel to provide color and opalescence. From the gold wire headband emerge two antenna composed of hollow silver cubes in which are set graduated brilliants each secured by four prongs. A steel wire runs through the cubes to form the curved shape of each antenna. Except for the scroll terminals of the antennae, each cube is individually mounted and stacked without being attached to each other so that they tremble when the wearer moves, accentuating the sparkle of the diamonds.
Marks
Impressed diamond with the initials R and L separated by a sword on the top left arm in front of loop; eagle's head on top of right arm; ER? on top of right arm
ProvenanceDr. Joseph and Ruth Sataloff Collection; Gift to the MFA (Accession Date: March 26, 2008)