Thieves Abandon Empress Eugénie’s Damaged Crown in Louvre Heist
Thieves executed a brazen heist at the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, targeting a collection of valuable Napoleonic jewels. During their escape, the crown of Empress Eugénie was inadvertently abandoned, suffering significant damage upon falling to the pavement. Over 100 days after the incident, the Louvre shared images of the crown, highlighting its condition and the impending repair plans.
Details of the Crown Heist
The daring theft occurred in October when assailants used an angle grinder to breach display cases. Alongside the Empress Eugénie’s crown, they stole eight other pieces of jewelry. These included a tiara, a necklace, a sapphire earring, and several other significant items once owned by French royals.
History of the Crown
The crown has a storied history, being commissioned by Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie de Montijo. It made its debut at the 1855 Paris Universal Exposition and became a symbol of imperial power. While it never served in a coronation, it remained part of the French crown jewels, many of which were lost during the French Revolution beginning in 1789.
The majority of these jewels were auctioned off nearly a century later due to republican sentiment. The crown eventually entered the Louvre’s collection in 1988, showcasing its brilliance with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.
Condition of the Crown
Following the thief’s mishap, the crown now has significant damage. One eagle is missing, and many of the decorative palmettes have detached or become misshapen. Experts found that the crown’s flexible mount had been stressed during the heist, contributing to its deterioration. Despite these issues, nearly all components still exist, allowing for a complete restoration.
Repair Plans
The Louvre plans to restore the crown without recreating any elements. The repair work will focus on reshaping its framework, with most elements intact. Currently, all 56 emeralds remain, and only about ten small diamonds are missing from the base. Nine additional diamonds were found detached but preserved.
In light of this incident, the museum is reaching out to renowned jewelry houses for restoration proposals. Known brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron have shown interest in participating in the restoration process.
Conclusion
The incident at the Louvre marks a significant event in art theft history. With the crown of Empress Eugénie now in need of repair, the museum is taking steps to ensure its restoration. As the bidding process for repair proposals commences, the focus remains on preserving this iconic piece of French history for future generations.
