An exhibition with 145 jewels explores the influence (close) between the Bulgari design and the monuments of Rome.
The link between architecture and jewelery is tight. In some cases, then, it is almost ostentatious. So it’s not a surprise the exhibition Bulgari and Rome, in Madrid at Museo Thyssen Bornemisza, with 145 pieces of jewelry that show the similarities between some of the Maison masterpieces and other masterpieces such as monuments and urban organization of the Eternal City. Some of the forms as the plant St. Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and Pantheon, for example, may be found in bracelets and necklaces by Bulgari. But even the old pavement in small blocks of stone can become the model of cascades of stones that form an irregular mosaic. Or the Coliseum, which, with its facade of full and empty spaces inspired a 1934 bracelet with diamonds and rubies, in perfect Art Deco style. And not forgetting the obelisks that were brought to Rome by the emperors two thousand years ago and have seen their hieroglyphics turn into snakes and symbols that accompanied the creations of Bulgari for so many years. It is also used the octagonal shape, a favorite in many monuments and Baroque architecture: a pendant with this geometry was one of the nicest jewelry gifted from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor for 40 years, perhaps to relieve the shock of the age. The exhibition hosts the Bulgari Heritage Collection, which includes, of course, jewelry that belonged American actress, plus some drawings on loan from private collections such as the Baroness von Thyssen. Federico Graglia
Bulgari and Rome
From 30 November 2016 to 26 February 2017
Paseo del Prado, 8
28014 Madrid
http://www.museothyssen.org/
