The Tiara of Saitaphernes – A Remarkable Postcard from the 1903 Louvre Scandal

An authentic antique French postcard dating from June 1903, featuring an elegant gold-embossed illustration of the famous Tiara of Saitaphernes, one of the most extraordinary archaeological forgery scandals in French museum history.

This charming Belle Époque postcard combines beautiful period decoration, raised gold embossing, elegant handwritten correspondence and a fascinating historical subject.

Unlike ordinary printed postcards, the illustration of the tiara features a raised, gold-coloured embossed design, giving the ancient-looking crown a distinctive decorative texture.

The postcard was sent to Mademoiselle Marguerite Rey in Paris and retains its original French postage stamp and postal cancellation.

The Extraordinary History of the Tiara of Saitaphernes

In 1896, the Louvre Museum in Paris purchased what was believed to be an extraordinary ancient gold tiara belonging to the Scythian king Saitaphernes.

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

However, doubts soon emerged concerning the authenticity of the object.

In 1903, the truth was finally established: the celebrated tiara was not an ancient masterpiece but a modern creation made by the talented goldsmith Israel Rouchomovsky in Odessa.

The revelation caused an enormous scandal in France and became a favourite subject of newspapers, caricatures and humorous postcards.

This original postcard was written in June 1903, at the very time when the affair was attracting widespread public attention.

It is therefore not merely a decorative antique postcard, but also a fascinating contemporary souvenir of a famous episode in the history of art and archaeology.

An Elegant Embossed Gold Illustration

The front features a delicate gold-coloured representation of the Tiara of Saitaphernes, including its intricate decorative scenes.

The design is embossed, creating a raised surface that catches the light.

Above the illustration appears the original French inscription:

“TIARE DE SAÏTAPHARNÈS”

The remaining space is occupied by beautiful handwritten correspondence, dated June 7, 1903.

The reverse preserves an elegant handwritten address to Mademoiselle Marguerite Rey in Paris, together with a French 10-centime postage stamp and postal cancellation.

Product Details

• Title: Tiara of Saitaphernes

• Object: Original antique embossed postcard

• Date: June 7, 1903 (handwritten date)

• Period: French Belle Époque, early 20th century

• Origin: France

• Technique: Printed postcard with raised gold-coloured embossing

• Colour: Antique cream paper with gold decoration

• Postal history: Postally used, with original stamp and cancellation

• Correspondence: Original handwritten French message and address

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

• Reference: BG-17

• Quantity: One original antique postcard

• Sold as: The exact postcard shown in the photographs

Condition

Authentic antique condition, consistent with age and postal use.

The postcard displays natural age-related yellowing, light foxing, minor surface marks and some wear along the edges and corners.

The embossed gold design remains an attractive feature of the composition.

The original handwriting, postage stamp and postal cancellation have been preserved.

The postcard has not been restored.

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

A Unique Piece of French Art History

This unusual postcard will appeal to collectors of antique French postcards, archaeological history, museum memorabilia, historical scandals, early 20th-century ephemera and gold-embossed paper collectibles.

It would also make a beautiful addition to a historical paper collection, antique writing desk or cabinet of curiosities.

You will receive the original antique embossed postcard shown in the photographs, not a reproduction.