Description
Teresa Talani, a Roman gem carver based in Naples, signed this cameo portrait of Napoleon's first wife, Josephine. The pendant formerly belonged to Marshal Henri-Gratien Bertrand, who loyally accompanied Napoleon to his exile in Saint Helena. This is one of 37 cameos known by the artist.




Cameo of the Empress Josephine
Exhibitions
- Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1979-1980.
- Objects of Adornment: Five Thousand Years of Jewelry from the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, New York; Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk; Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh; San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio; Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa; Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu; New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans; Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee; Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis; Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 1984-1987.
- Jewelry from the Walters Art Gallery and the Zucker Family Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1987.
Provenance
Marshal Henri-Gratien Bertrand [1773-1844]; inherited by Marquis A. Biron, Paris [1]. Purchased by Philippe Sichel, Paris; purchased by William T. Walters (through George Lucas as agent), Baltimore, July 27 1892; inherited by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
[1] From his grandmother, the wife of Marshal Henri-Gratien Bertrand
Inscriptions
[Signature] At bottom center: Teresa Talani
Credit
Acquired by William T. Walters, 1892
Creator
- Teresa Talani (Italian, active ca. 1790 - ca. 1825) (Engraver (Inciser))
Period
ca. 1797Accession Number
42.202Measurements
H: 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)Geographies
- Italy, Naples (Place of Origin)