Onyx cameo depicting Napoleon as Julius Caesar, cabochon sapphire, round diamonds, 18k yellow gold, 1970s, signed Bvlgari, N.Y., numbered

Size/Dimensions: 37.0 long
Gross weight: 200.1 grams

Formerly in the Collection of Betsey Cushing Roosevelt Whitney (1908 - 1998) and John Hay Whitney (1904 - 1982).
Sotheby's, New York, 8 December 2016, lot 375.

THE WHITNEYS AND THE ART OF COLLECTING
Betsey Cushing Roosevelt Whitney (1908–1998) and John Hay ‘Jock’ Whitney (1904–1982) were among the most prominent figures in twentieth-century American high society, celebrated for their elegance, philanthropy and passion for the arts.
Born into the distinguished Cushing family, Betsey was one of the celebrated Cushing sisters and was previously married to James Roosevelt, eldest son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In 1942, she married John Hay Whitney, a financier, publisher and diplomat who later served as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Together, they became leading figures in New York and London society, entertaining royalty, artists and political leaders.
Renowned for their exceptional taste, the couple assembled an extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Modern art, including masterpieces by Renoir, Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec. Betsey's passion for collecting extended to fine jewellery, reflecting her distinctive sense of style and appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship.
The present Bulgari necklace, dating from the 1970s, features an onyx cameo depicting Napoleon Bonaparte in the guise of Julius Caesar, complemented by a cabochon sapphire and diamonds set in yellow gold. The portrait evokes Napoleon's fascination with classical Rome and his ambition to associate his imperial image with the grandeur of antiquity. Combining historical inspiration with bold contrasts of colour and materials, the necklace exemplifies Bulgari's distinctive approach to jewellery design.