Brooch, about 1860

Description:

This interesting brooch combines styles popular in the 1850s and 1860s, namely the bow know form with the dead gold metal (bright yellow metal that is produced without a sheen) and Etruscan filigree (delicate dots of gold that imitates Etruscan filigree decoration) that were popular primarily from the 1830s on.Etruscan filigree, really granulated drops of gold, was revived by Giulio Castellani of Britain who learned of the work from a scholar studying the ancients.He popularized the Etruscan revival style and it was seen on jewelry until the 1880s.This piece is nice, but not finely worked.The interlocking circles, circular Etruscan filigree decoration on the metal surfaces of the brooch, and the hair in the back of the pendant suggests that this is a mourning brooch.The interlocking components indicate lives entwined.The circles of the Etruscan filigree may suggest everlasting life, which is the symbolism of mourning wreaths.The hair in the back of the stone also suggests that this pin was used for mourning.

Date Issued:

[1855 TO 1865]

Data Provider:

Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford

Collection:

Digital Dress Collection

Subject Topic:

Brooches, Mourning jewelry, Jewelry, and Etruscan Style

Format:

clothing

Rights:

Images are copyright The Henry Ford. Web versions may be used for reference purposes only. If you would like a higher quality image please contact the Benson Ford Research Center.

URL:

http://digital.library.wayne.edu/item/wayne:EM02_29_929_24