Louvre releases new pictures of royal crown damaged during brazen heist
New images reveal the extent of damage to Empress Eugénie’s crown following last October’s audacious theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The crown, dropped by thieves during their escape, was found crushed and bent at the base of the Apollo Gallery.
A Royal Artifact Under Strain
Despite the significant deformation, the Louvre has confirmed the crown can be fully restored. According to a museum report, the restoration will involve reshaping the crown’s framework, rather than requiring a complete reconstruction.
How the Damage Occurred
The damage occurred as the thieves attempted to force the crown through a narrow opening they created in the display case using an angle grinder. This placed considerable strain on the crown’s mount. The assessment revealed that one of the eight golden eagles adorning the crown is missing.
Four of the eight diamond-and-emerald palmettes have become detached and some are misshapen. The central orb, encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, has sunk into the crumpled frame but remains undamaged. Approximately ten small diamonds from the base perimeter are missing, though nine that came loose have been recovered.
The Crown’s Historical Significance
Remarkably, all 56 emeralds remain in place. One of the crown’s hoops detached during the theft and has not been recovered within the gallery. The Louvre attributes the crushing impact to the crown striking the ground after falling from the fleeing thieves.
Unveiled at the 1855 Paris Universal Exposition, the crown was created specifically for Empress Eugénie de Montijo. Despite its grandeur, the empress was never formally crowned, meaning the headpiece was never worn during a coronation ceremony.
A Rare Survivor
The crown is part of a rare collection of French crown jewels that survived both the looting during the French Revolution of 1789 and a subsequent state auction driven by republican sentiment nearly a century later. It entered the Louvre’s permanent collection in 1988. Alongside the crowns of Louis XV and Charlemagne, it represents one of only three sovereign crowns preserved in France.
An expert committee, chaired by Louvre director Laurence des Cars, will oversee the restoration process. The museum will soon invite restorers to submit competitive bids for the repair work, with estimated costs beginning at around €40,000. Several prestigious jewellery houses, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mellerio, Chaumet, and Boucheron, have already volunteered their expertise.
The stolen haul also included a tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, pieces worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, and jewellery from Empress Marie-Louise. None of these treasures have been recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the damage to the crown?
The damage occurred when thieves attempted to wrench the crown through a narrow opening they cut into its display case using an angle grinder, causing it to fall and strike the ground.
Is the crown irreparable?
No, the Louvre confirmed the crown remains largely intact and can be fully restored by reshaping its framework.
What other items were stolen during the raid?
The stolen haul included a tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, pieces worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, and jewellery from Empress Marie-Louise, none of which have been recovered.
As restoration plans move forward, it remains to be seen how long it will take to fully restore this significant piece of French history, and whether the missing items from the October raid will ever be recovered.