Parure c. 1854 - 1858

This is a Parure set in a box, crafted in gold by Johannes Mattheus van Kempen in the 19th century. Notice the profiles on each piece, recalling the ancient Roman tradition of cameos and coinage. This choice is no accident. The Roman Empire has long been a potent symbol of power, law, and order. In the Renaissance, it was revived to legitimize power. The visual language of authority continues to evolve: consider, for instance, how the profile portrait, once reserved for emperors and gods, now graces our everyday currency. It is a potent, albeit often overlooked, symbol. The desire to connect with an idealized past is a recurring theme, isn't it? A deep-seated longing that persists and resurfaces through our collective memory. The emotional appeal of this imagery lies in its ability to evoke a sense of timelessness, hinting at an unbroken chain of history. It engages us on a subconscious level, tapping into primal desires for stability and permanence.