Live Auction 14987The Metropolitan Opera Guild Collection
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HEMPEL, Frieda (1885-1955) – AN ART DECO ROCK CRYSTAL AND DIAMOND LORGNETTE, BY DREICER & CO.
The cylindrical rock crystal handle overlaid by circular set diamond and platinum trelliswork to the diamond set hoop, with spring-hinged folding lens, marked D & Co. inside bridge, 3½ inches (9 cm.) long, circa 1910-1920

Frieda Hempel (minutes of the Metropolitan Opera Guild Memorabilia Committee for 1960-1961).

Specialist note

The German soprano Frieda Hempel was remarkable for her ability to master coloratura as well as weightier soprano roles, and she shone as much in Wagner's operas as in Richard Strauss's. Metropolitan Opera Guild minutes record that Hempel carried this lorgnette in her role as the Marschallin.