The Tiara of Saitaphernes – Four Antique French Postcards from the Famous Louvre Scandal

A fascinating collection of four original antique French photographic postcards published by A. Bergeret & Cie in Nancy, France, during the early 20th century.

These remarkable postcards illustrate one of the most extraordinary archaeological scandals of the Belle Époque: the famous Tiara of Saitaphernes affair, exposed in 1903.

Combining theatrical humour, staged photography, witty verses and original handwritten correspondence, the cards capture the fascination and amusement caused by this extraordinary story.

An unusual collection for enthusiasts of French history, antique postcards, museum memorabilia and historical curiosities.

The Extraordinary Story of the Tiara of Saitaphernes

In 1896, the Louvre Museum in Paris acquired an elaborate gold tiara believed to be an ancient Scythian treasure associated with King Saitaphernes.

The museum paid the remarkable sum of 200,000 French francs for the supposed archaeological masterpiece.

However, doubts concerning its authenticity soon emerged.

In 1903, the truth became public: the magnificent tiara was not an ancient treasure, but a modern creation made by the talented goldsmith Israel Rouchomovsky in Odessa.

The revelation caused an enormous scandal in France.

Newspapers, satirical publications and postcard publishers quickly transformed the affair into a popular subject of humour.

These four original postcards are charming surviving examples of that remarkable moment in French cultural history.

The Four Postcards

1. Le Lapin – The Rabbit

An amusing photographic composition featuring a smiling gentleman in formal Belle Époque clothing, riding an oversized theatrical rabbit while holding up the famous tiara.

A humorous French verse printed in red refers directly to the scandal and its extraordinary popularity.

2. Les Petits Cadeaux entretiennent l'Amitié – Little Gifts Preserve Friendship

A young woman wearing an elaborate headscarf presents the famous tiara on a decorative cushion.

The printed French verse jokes about the tiara being a false object, making a playful reference to the archaeological forgery.

An elegant photographic composition combining period costume, theatrical staging and historical satire.

3. Oh ! la Tiare ! – The Tiara

A humorous scene featuring a gentleman examining the famous tiara displayed inside a showcase.

His exaggerated expression and the accompanying satirical verse capture the public fascination with the scandal.

The illustrated front also preserves original handwritten correspondence.

4. Oh ! la Tiare ! – The Examination

Two formally dressed gentlemen examine the tiara displayed inside a glass showcase.

One studies the object with a magnifying glass while the other appears deeply puzzled.

The humorous verse questions the authenticity of the tiara, creating a charming visual commentary on the famous Louvre affair.

Historical and Postal Interest

These original French postcards are particularly interesting because they document how a major museum scandal became part of popular culture.

The collection includes both photographic humour and historical postal material.

Several cards retain original handwritten messages, while some preserve their original French postage stamps and postal cancellations.

The correspondence, inscriptions and postal markings add an authentic personal dimension to these historical objects.

The cards also provide a fascinating glimpse into the fashion, humour, social conventions and photographic techniques of the French Belle Époque.

Product Details

• Subject: Tiara of Saitaphernes, Louvre archaeological forgery scandal

• Publisher: A. Bergeret & Cie, Nancy, France

• Period: Early 20th century, circa 1903–1904

• Origin: France

• Quantity: 4 original antique postcards

• Dimensions: Approximately 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 inches) each

• Technique: Antique photographic postcard printing

• Language: French

• Themes: Louvre Museum, archaeological forgery, historical satire, Belle Époque humour

• Postal history: Mixed postal use, with handwritten correspondence and period markings

• Reference: BG-18

• Sold as: One set of four original antique postcards

Condition

Authentic antique French postcards showing natural signs of age, handling and previous postal use.

The cards display varying degrees of age-related discolouration, light foxing, surface marks and minor wear to edges and corners.

Several cards retain handwritten correspondence, and some preserve period French stamps and postal cancellations.

The postcards have not been restored and retain their original antique character.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.

A Fascinating Collection of French Historical Curiosities

These four postcards will appeal to collectors of antique French postcards, historical photography, museum memorabilia, archaeological history and unusual Belle Époque ephemera.

They would also make an attractive addition to a cabinet of curiosities, antique writing desk or collection of historically significant printed material.

You will receive the four original antique postcards shown in the photographs, not reproductions.