-French 1890 Art Nouveau Swan Harp Brooch 18Kt Gold With 5.05 Ctw Rubies Diamonds
A French art nouveau swan brooch.
Gorgeous piece of jewelry, created in France in the late 19th century. Designed with allegorical patterns to the love, the music and the romanticism during the early art nouveau period, circa 1890. Masterfully designed in the shape of an harp integrated to the body of a loving swan. Crafted in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats with delicate incised and carved details of feathers. The beautiful brooch has beautiful aged patina and is fitted at the reverse with a hinge pin bar with a mechanical lock. There is embellished with a nice selection of natural earth mined gemstones such; diamonds and rubies.
The Swan, symbol of love
Swans are present in many European fairy tales, symbolizing chastity (partly because of their white plumage), artistry, and beauty. On a related note, swans are associated with fidelity, loyalty in marriage, and monogamy, because they mate for life. In Greek art, beginning at least in the Archaic period, Aphrodite was sometimes depicted with a swan, a symbol of good health, music, divination, and grace. In Roman times, Latin poets, such as Ovid and Horace, also referred to the goddess in her chariot being drawn through the air by swans.
The interesting about this piece
We acquired this fabulous piece through a private collector along with others from the same period and theme. The collection was made up of unique pieces with undefined artistic styles or should we call them transitional as this is. In this brooch the artistic styles intertwine with each other, without competing, such as Renaissance, Etruscan and mythological. Like the allegory of love and romanticism that is represented by the swan. Of course and to a more obvious degree the allegory to music is manifested in the harp. All of this framed in a single new art style later called art nouveau. Due to this small analysis we are sure that this piece is from the late 19th century, made between 1880 and 1890.
Diamonds: Mounted in flush prongs settings, with 30 old European rose cut diamonds, 0.75 carats, white colorless F/G color, VS/SI clarity.
Rubies: Mounted in a flush channel setting, with 12 calibrated French cushion faceted cut of natural vivid red rubies, 4.30 carats. The rubies are not heated and most probably Burmese origin.
Pearls: Mounted, with 1 round white pearl of 7mm and 1 of 1mm.
Weight: 8.45 Grams, (5.41 Dwt).
Measurements: 50 mm by 30 mm (1.96 x 1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks Unmarked, electronically tested for the 18kt gold.
The Art Nouveau Jewelry
Or so called the new art jewelry was created in Europe and United States between about 1890 and 1915, 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. Characterized 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.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this brooch is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All gemstones are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P111123MIEN/.2030
