SPANISH 1900 Barcelona Art Nouveau Enameled Bracelet In Sterling & 18Kt Gold
A rare art-nouveau aesthetic bracelet made in Barcelona.
This is a very rare highly decorated bracelet, created in Barcelona Spain during the art-nouveau period, back in the 1900. This Catalonian bracelet was designed with fantastic Noucentisme organic and floral patterns with a reminiscence to the architect Antoni Gaudi. It was masterfully crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and parts in 18 karats gold, with texture, hammered, and chiseled finishes. The fantasy floriated elements are embellished with applications of blue, green, and peach glass enamels. Fitted with a concealed push boxed lock.
This Bracelet
The Spanish modernist designers are of the highest quality. The silver work is solid and very substantial. The Barcelona silversmiths were well known for combining sterling silver with gold in their jewelry pieces. This bracelet is a wonderful example with beautiful links adorned with 18 Karat Yellow Gold and enamels. The bracelet has a wonderful nature- inspired motif resembling the architect Antoni Gaudi. This is one of the finest modernist bracelets we have handle. When is worn, it is a superb statement of design, modernist ideals, and the finest craftsmanship. The bracelet is magnificent with no trace of wear.
Noucentisme
From within the furnace of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, grew an art movement in the early 20th century that influenced painters, writers, architects, garden designers — and jewelers. The movement, called Noucentisme, arose as a reaction to an earlier artistic period known as Modernisme, which was associated with modernist movements throughout Europe. Noucentisme reflected the Catalan aesthetic -which is, of course, in opposition to Spanish and European influences- and turned to the region’s spiritual roots. Noucentisme has been poetically described as “a term without outlines, almost indefinable,” that pretends to gather “the palpitations of time.” The painter Joaquín Sunyer described the characteristics of Noucentisme in a broad way: Imaginative art, Intellectualism, Art for art’s sake Order, perfection, and beauty. One of the movement’s founders, a lawyer and artist named Eugeni D’Ors, believed that humankind wished to enter a new period of “morality” and that the ideal motto for a new society would be “the work well done.” Noucentisme jewelry is muscular yet sensual, which might also describe Catalan nationalism. Artistically, the form espouses clear geometrical structures, harmony of all the parts and work that demonstrates careful design as opposed to impulsiveness. The materials often used in Noucentisme jewelry are rose cut diamonds, synthetic spinel, marcasite, synthetic sapphires, aquamarine and turquoise; and silver, gold, and combinations of the two, with details of platinum. Enamels are used as highlights. The pieces feature hammered surfaces with spirals and stepped figures. Rectangular forms are preferred to ovals. Famous Noucentisme artists were writers -especially of poetry- architects, sculptors, and painters, such; Ramón Sunyer I Clará, (1869-1963), Jaume Mercadé i Queralt, (1887-1967), Manolo Hugué, (1872-1945) and the jewelers Fuset y Grau. (Sharon Arts & Jewelry with thanks).
Weight: 79.8 Grams, (51.16 Dwt).
Size: 7.16 Inches, (18.19 Cm).
Measurements: Each link is 34 mm by 36 mm (1.33 x 1.42 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped twice with Catalonian marks, the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the .925/.999 silver and the gold and signed as follows: "75-M B.".
Literature: Arbeteta, L. La joyería española de Felipe II a Alfonso XIII en los museos estatales [catàleg de l’exposició] [The Spanish jewelry of Felipe II to Alfonso XIII in the state museums]. Editorial NEREA, 1998. Jiménez Priego, MªT. Joyería de los siglos XIX y XX [Jewelry in XIX and XX century]. UNED, 1997. Menéndez Alzamora, M. La generación del 14. Una aventura intelectual. [The Generation of ’14. An intellectual adventure] Siglo XXI Editores, 2006. VV.AA. Joies d’artista: del modernisme a l’avantguarda [catàleg de l’exposició]. MNAC, 2008. VV.AA. La generación del 14 entre el Noucentisme i la Vanguardia (1906-1926) [The Generation of ’14 between the Noucentisme and the Vanguard]. Fundación Cultural Mapfre, 2002. For similar examples to this bracelet.
Collateral: This bracelet is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Spanish art-nouveau bracelet is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B111524SENM/2.365
