Spray ornament

This magnificent jewelled bouquet would have been worn on a lady’s bodice, attached with a removable metal hook. Bouquets of flowers were a fashionable theme in jewellery during the second half of the 18th century. They could be large and intricate pieces. We know that this one was originally owned by the Spanish noblewoman, Doña Juana Rabasa (wife of the Finance Minister of Charles IV of Spain). She gave it to the shrine of the Virgin of the Pillar at Saragossa.