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The Arts Intel Report

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective

A butterfly pendant by Cart Herman, circa 1900.

May 23 – Sept 23, 2024
40 East Erie Street Chicago, Illinois 60611

The late Chicago billionaire Richard Driehaus was a collector with special interests in antique cars and Gilded Age decorative arts. He also had a jewelry collection, which for the first time is going on display, accompanied by rare works from the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, and the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art. The over 200 pieces include silver made by Paul Revere Jr. and Art Nouveau masterpieces by René Lalique. Moving from the 17th century to the present day, categorized by era, the exhibition captures the refinement of a city that’s much more than just mighty.

Photo: Michael Tropea/courtesy the Richard H. Driehaus Collection