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).
 girandoles.jpg)
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