Gold and diamond bangle, circa 1850

The hinged bangle set to the front with a synthetic cabochon sapphire within a star motif set with rose diamonds, the sides embellished with two diamond set swans accented with a red gemstone eye, within foliate and floral decoration, inner circumference approximately 170mm.

The Infanta María de la Paz, born in Madrid's Royal Palace in 1862, was one of Queen Isabella of Spain's six surviving children. She had by all accounts an artistic nature and loved poetry, painting, the opera and she also wrote several books throughout her life.

A marriage to Prince Ludwig Ferdinand of Bavaria (1859-1949) was arranged, and although she found the Prince unattractive and did not wish to marry him, she eventually did. The Royal couple happily settled at the baroque Schloss Nymphenburg, outside of Munich. They shared a love of music and literature, and the Schloss was visited by renowned writers and artists of the day.

Infanta María de la Paz was well known for her philanthropic work. The founder of an asylum for homeless children and a school for children from Spain. She raised three children of her own who inherited their mother's love of all things artistic. Paz, Spanish for "peace", was an ardent pacifist, and took part in several pacifist congresses throughout Europe. Her life in Germany eventually became very restricted as Hitler took control, but she remained there throughout the war, her home was continually subjected to routine searches by the Gestapo.

This bangle was presented to her, probably in 1883, by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886). 

Infanta María de la Paz died in 1946 at the age of 84 and is buried in the Royal crypt of the Church of San Michael in Munich.

Götterdämmerung-König Ludwig II, Herrenchiemsee Castle, Bavaria, 14th May to 16th October, 2011, where this bangle was presented, item 5.06b, page 241 in the catalogue.

Cf: Diana Scarisbrick, Christophe Vachaudez, and Jan Walgrave, Royal Jewels, From Charlemagne to the Romanovs, New York, 2008, page 255 for an illustration of a very similar bangle gifted by king Ludwig II of Bavaria to the court actress Hermine Blan-Steiner.

Mounted in silver and gold. Diamonds bright and lively. Clasp secure, safety chain. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use, very minor discolouration. In good condition.
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