-Austrian 1900 Art Nouveau Jugendstil Brooch In 14Kt With Coral And Pearl

Jugendstil brooch made in Austria.

An exceptional piece of Jugendstil art, created in Austria or Germany back in the 1900. Crafted during the Art Nouveau period, with curvilinear organic patterns in solid yellow gold of 14 karats and fitted with a long hinged bar with a mechanical security lock. This piece is very beautiful, unusual and unique, it was designed based on the abstraction of an elongated eye, which is represented by a coral and a teardrop represented by a pear shaped pearl. The design transports us to the paintings by the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

Coral: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 oval cabochon cut (46 x 11 x 5 mm) carved from natural salmon coral

Pearl: Mount in a bezel setting, wit 1 natural river white pearl in the shape of a pear drop.

Birthstone: Coral for the month of February.

Weight: 19.2 Grams, (12.30 Dwt).

Measurements: 128 mm by 24 mm (5.04 x 0.95 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "AGC 14KT".

History

Art Nouveau or new art jewelry was created in France between about 1895 and 1910, coming on the heels of the “overwrought” designs of the Victorian era (which ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901) and creating a striking contrast to the mainstream Edwardian designs of that time. While jewelry with a similar aesthetic was being made in other countries during the same time period--for example, Jugendstil in Germany and Austria--true Art Nouveau jewelry is decidedly extended in France. It was a short-lived period in jewelry design, lasting only about 15 years, because of the onset of World War I and because the pieces were so over-the-top that people quickly lost interest in them. Characterised by lavish and organic ornamentation, the Art Nouveau movement blossomed in Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century, with influential Austrians architects Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos making significant architectural contributions that helped shape the city's skyline as we see it today. Rene Lalique, was the most celebrated art nouveau designer, championed jewelry designer.

Note: The Vienna Secession work is often referred to (during the years before World War I) as the Austrian version of Jugendstil, the German term for Art Nouveau, and it is the work of its members in association with that style that has contributed most to its fame, particularly outside of Austria. Turns out it's the local version of Art Nouveau. So a synonym for that decorative style that makes use of curves, natural forms and ornate motifs along with modern materials. Jugendstil blossomed in Vienna during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Literature: Fritz Falk., Jugendstil-Schmuck / Art Nouveau Jewellery. Arnoldsche, 1999. Fo similar examples illustrated.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. Both gemstones are secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P031223MONM/.3599