"Bee" Pin's Brooch

Museum Jewellery Collection

Empire Jewellery

Inspired by the bees adorning the harp of Empress Josephine

This harp, signed by Cousineau, father and son, used to belong to Empress Josephine and is now in the music room of the Château of Malmaison. It is made of mahogany and richly decorated with gilded bronze, in particular bees, which inspired these different pieces of 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. Their social organisation and obedience to their queen appealed to him. The bee can be found on clothes, draperies, carpets, and decorative furniture bronzes.