The ideological nature of the Estado Novoregime in the restoration of the Portuguese crown jewels: 1941-1954

Abstract

As it happened with architectural monuments, profound restoration was carried out on the crown jewelry collection during the Estado Novo period. However, unlike the architectural heritage, in the case of the jewels, the first historical and artistic narrative was written while the restorations were taking place. Based on the methodological justifications presented for the intervention, as well as the history disclosed about these jewels when the works were finalized, this article aims to open the discussion about the intentions and consequences of this restoration campaign, which placed the ancient royal jewels in service of the narrative of national greatness and its constant pursuit of "distinctive and Portuguese character". In this regard, the choices made do not fail to appear contradictory, even under the nationalistic ideological bias that influenced them, in the relentless pursuit of valorizing the eras perceived by the regime as the nation's greatest moments of glory.