Diamond brooch, c.1815The magnificent brooch, whose square emerald is surrounded by  a total of 198

Diamond brooch, c.1815The magnificent brooch, whose square emerald is surrounded by  a total of 198 diamonds roses and old cut diamonds foliage, was a prominent guest gift: Tsar Alexander I of Russia lodged in October 1815 after his return from the campaign against France in Basel Seidenhof at Blumenrain and presented this  brooch to the daughter-in-law of the owner of the houses. The former owner of the city palace on the River Rhine, the Basel banker Hans Franz Passavant-Martin (1751-1834), wrote to his daughter in Geneva on October 9, 1815 about the personal encounter and the brief conversation with the Tsar: Announced by 100 cannon shots tsar Alexander I entered the city by four clock at noon, accompanied by the Swiss and Austrian military. After the presentation the Tsar asked the twenty-year old daughter-in-law of the master of the house, Henriette Elise Passavant-Streckeisen to serve him tea. In 90-minute tea break he praised the facilities and the cleanliness of the property, which he - have enjoyed anywhere such as in their home - with the exception of the Paris Palais de l'Elysee. As a sign of gratitude, the prince of Wolkonski gave on behalf of His Majesty Elise a souvenir.Historishes Museum Basel -- source link

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