DRAWINGS OF JEWELS FOR PEDRO DE ALCANTARA PEREZ DE GUZMAN AND MARIANA DE SILVA, DUKES AND DUCHESS OF MEDINA SIDONIA

Abstract

With the arrival of the dynasty of the Borbones to Spain, at the beginning of the 18th century, the artistic tastes and French social graces were introduced. All kind of objects (wigs, suits, dresses, toiletries and tableware made of silver, porcelain...) were sent from France to nourish the taste for the luxury of the aristocracy and the wealthy classes. Jewels made of diamonds and other precious stones became fashionable during the 18th for their capacity to dazzle at nightime celebrations, these were also imported from Paris, or the designs were made by french goldsmiths, to be copied by Spanish artisans