by InTrieste
The scepter that once belonged to Charlotte of Belgium and found its home in the Miramare Castle thanks to the Fondazione CRTrieste was presented this morning to press in Trieste, by Massimo Paniccia, president of the CrTrieste foundation, and Andreina Contessa, director of the historical museum and park of the Castle of Miramare.
The Foundation of Trieste acquired the precious historical treasure during an auction held on July 18 at the Hotel de Ventes de Monte-Carlo (Principality of Monaco) for €120,000.
The 22-carat gold jewel, completely decorated in filigree and with chiseled friezes of flowers and leaves, the scepter will be visible to the public for the first time in the spring of 2024 in the setting of the historical museum of the Miramare Castle, which will be loaned by the CrTrieste foundation.
34 centimeters long and 6 wide, it is set on a three-fold sphere, surmounted by an imperial crown of gold threads, pearls and eagles with spread wings. The tiara is on a filigree cushion of gold trimmings, embellished with rubies, emeralds and diamonds set on the bezel. Top and bottom are decorated with leaves and acorns chiseled in relief. The monogram of the Mexican commitment desired by Massimiliano is also present, with a ribbon bearing the inscription “San Juan del Rio 1864”. The scepter is kept in its original case.
This acquisition represents an event of international relevance, as the object symbolizes a peculiar period in European history during the mid-19th century when Trieste played a central role in international geopolitical events, with connections even overseas to the Central American country. Moreover, this operation allows the object to return to its “historical home”.
