Répresentation Exacte du Grand Collier en Brillants des Srs. Boëhmer et Bassenge 1780 - 1790

This engraving, "Répresentation Exacte du Grand Collier en Brillants des Srs. Boëhmer et Bassenge," was made by Nicolas Antoine Taunay. The print presents a symmetrical rendering of an elaborate diamond necklace. The artist utilizes line and form to meticulously detail the jewel’s structure. The necklace's design employs an intricate system of repetition and variation. Strings of gems cascade, mirrored on each side, creating a balanced yet ornate composition. Individual stones serve as signifiers of luxury. This visual language conveys not only the opulence of the necklace but also the values of the society that prized such objects. The very act of representation here engages with ideas of value and display. Taunay's work invites us to consider how an object of desire is transformed into a symbol through artistic representation. The formal qualities, particularly the emphasis on symmetry and detail, underscore the necklace’s status, making it a potent cultural artifact.