The Hair Of Berenice

Fine Gold Brooch With A Shell Cameo Of Berenice, Around 1880

€ 690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Fine Gold Brooch With A Shell Cameo Of Berenice, Around 1880

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

The late 19th century brooch presented here celebrates an energetic woman: the Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Cyrene Berenice II. The daughter of the king of Cyrene and the Syrian princess Apama, she was born around 270 BC. For dynastic reasons, she was betrothed at a young age by her mother to Demetrios the Handsome - whose physical attraction was apparently so strong, however, that shortly after his arrival the mother herself entered into an affair with Demetrios. Berenice, with a quick decision, instigated a rebellion and had the unfaithful husband murdered in her mother's bedroom. Her mother, however, let her live. Berenice then became sole ruler and decided to marry Ptolemy III of Egypt, as she did not want to lose her position and hoped for economic advantages for her kingdom through the connection with Egypt. After her husband then waged war in Syria in 246 BC, the administration of both countries lay entirely with Berenice. The poem "The Curl of Berenice" by Callimachus also dates from this time. According to this poem, Berenice vowed to sacrifice a lock of her hair upon the king's healthy return home. After Ptolemy actually returned, Berenice made good on her promise. The lock of hair was taken to the temple of Arsinoe Zepherites. A day later it had disappeared, and the mathematician Konon of Samos discovered it in the sky. This sign of the zodiac, the "Hair of Berenice", still reminds us of the powerful queen who knew how to defend her kingdom and her position in a society of men. The oval brooch presented here is another monument to her. Beautiful and detailed, the profile portrait of Berenice is cut into a two-tone shell. Her rich hair flows in beautiful curls down her neck. The setting of reddish gold with delicate arches and a trim of tiny seed pearls emphasizes the tribute to Berenice. Her design follows the fashion of the 1880s and looks like a shield, so that the queen, who defended her rights so valiantly and was taken up to heaven for it, can herself be worn like a self-confident sign, a coat of arms.

Size & Details

The Hair Of Berenice

€ 690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

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The Hair Of Berenice

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