Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Princess Parma (daughter of Philip of Spain)
Wearing large girandoles (earrings)

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Princess Parma (daughter of Philip of Spain) girandoles
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Here we see Princess Parma (daughter of Philip of Spain) wearing large girandoles. Note that in this painting, it looks as if the face of this princess was painted in separately from the rest of the painting, and perhaps the girandoles anchored the face, preventing it from floating away? With only the light from candles, jewelry such as these large earrings, "girandoles", could reflect light and be a form of illumination, just as theatre clothing designed for the stage was intended to illuminate. These girandoles were a very effective form of illumination as well.

It should be recalled that on stage, light could emphasize gestures. Thus mirrors, sequins, glass, metalic-thread were materials which were used in clothing to create illumination. Girandoles (large earrings) were used to illuminate, lending emphasis to the gesturing head. Similarly, rings were used on fingers of the gesturing hand as an illumination device. Neclaces were also used for illumination of the gesturing body. Similarly, fans could illuminate the gesturing hand, masks and hats could illuminate the gestring head, shoes can illuminate the gesturing foot, combs and cauls can illuminate the hair or perukes of the gesturing head, gold or silver thread can illluminate the body (especially royal costumes).

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