$3,200
Antique Topaz Ring, France, c. 1800, bezel-set with a foil-back oval-cut colorless topaz framed by old mine-cut topaz, silver-topped gold mount, reverse engraved and inscribed "MADAME DE STAEL A MADAME LENORMAND", size 5, French guarantee stamps. Note: Madame de Stael (1766-1817) was a Swiss/French woman of letters, wealthy adventuress, and liberal thinker who moved in the highest circles of society and government during the period of the French Revolution and Directory. Her outspoken opposition to Bonaparte resulted in her exile from Paris, after which she spent an interim period studying German culture, keeping company with Goethe, Schiller and von Schlegel. In her day, DeStael was well known for her aphorisms, such as "To know all is to forgive all". Despite her intellectual interests, de Stael had a romantic belief in mysticism, and may have frequented the parlor of the tarot card reader Madame Lenormande (1772-1843), who was considered an oracle by many prominent figures of the period. Lenormande was reportedly consulted by Louis XVIII, Empress Josephine and Czar Alexander, as well as by their enemies Robespierre, St. Just, and Marat. Although imprisoned multiple times, Lenormande managed to evade the guillotine. Given the inscription, it is assumed that this ring may have been presented to the medium as a token of Madame de Stael's appreciation. Re-shanked. Evidence of solder/damage around shoulders. Underside with dings. Areas of green discoloration to foil.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-06-16
