Many people ask me about the necklace Samantha wore through much of the run of Bewitched as well as the painting that hung in their "front hall", a part of the soundstage which was well remembered as people came and went from the Stephenses' house.
The Necklace
The necklace is a white gold diamond pavé heart which was given to Elizabeth as a "love gift" from husband/Bewitched Director William Asher. I have heard that she lost the original one and asked that 2 copies be made done in rhinestones instead of diamonds in case she lost one of them again. You may have noticed that the chain length differed in the early years from later on, which was most likely due to her not wearing the original in the later years (the original had a shorter chain). So, for you hubbies that write me all the time wanting to know all the details on this necklace (because your wives have been bugging you for years to get one made for her), here is a close-up of the necklace. It is not a locket. The chain consisted of 2 separate strands attached in a fixed position to the upper corners of the top of the heart, therefore it was held in a stationary position (it did not slide left/right on a one-piece chain). The one pictured above is one of the rhinestone ones. For more detailed info about the necklace, check here.
The Painting
The painting that hung for a number of years in the Stephenses' front hallway was entitled "A Girl With A Broom" and was painted by the great 17th century artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn. This Dutch painter, draftsman, and etcher of the 17th century, was a giant in the history of art. His paintings are characterized by luxuriant brushwork, rich colour, and a mastery of chiaroscuro. Numerous portraits and self-portraits exhibit a profound penetration of character. His drawings constitute a vivid record of contemporary Amsterdam life.
Despite Rembrandt's financial success as an artist, teacher, and art dealer, his penchant for ostentatious living forced him to declare bankruptcy in 1656, just 5 years after painting A Girl With A Broom. 13 years later on October 4, 1669, Rembrandt died in Amsterdam.
A Girl With A Broom was painted in 1651. It is oil on canvas, the size of the original is 42.00 x 36.00 cm and it resides in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Coincidentally, I grew up with "A Girl With A Broom" in my own home! It was framed in an ornate gold frame with an orange velvet border around it. The photo below was taken of me Christmas morning 1966. You will see the painting behind me. My mom is an artist and was fond of old master paintings at the time. We had the painting hanging in our next house as well. It hung there till we moved in 1981, when I believe we sold it. Personally as a kid, I never liked the painting, I thought it was dark and depressing, but did think it was cool that "The Bewitched House" had the same painting as ours. I think the old masters were popular in the 60's (anyone know why?) and I know of other people who also had it in their homes as well. I have come to appreciate it more as the years have gone by.
