Museum Jewellery Collection
Empire Jewellery
When looking for new emblems to replace the royal fleur-de-lis, Napoleon chose the bee, recalling that in the 17th century, more than three hundred bees had been found in the tomb of Childeric, father of Clovis II.
This brooch is inspired by a harp, signed by Cousineau, father and son, which used to belong to Empress Josephine and can still be found in the music room of the Malmaison Castle. It is made of mahogany and richly decorated with gilt bronze, particularly with bee motifs, which inspired these different pieces of jewellery.
Napoleon was fascinated by the social organisation of bees, as well as by their obedience to their queen. The bee motif can also be found on clothes, draperies, carpets, and decorative furniture bronzes from that period.
