Housed in the treasury of Palermo’s Cathedral, this work of art was created between 1220 and 1222. It was designed in Palermo in a Byzantine-Arab style and composed of gold, precious gems, semi-precious stones, pearls, filigree, glazes, and silver. According to scholar Jacqueline Alio, the Holy Roman Empress was interred wearing the crown. “It has…
Tag: constance of aragon
Fit for a Queen
Perhaps more famous than she is, the crown worn by Constance of Aragon (1179-1222) is housed in the treasury at Palermo’s cathedral. It is a fascinating example of uniquely Sicilian jewelry-design, exploiting Byzantine, Norman, and Arab influences. It is donned with precious stones like sapphires and rubies, in addition to pearls, gold, and other intricate…