-Roman Revival 1850 Papal States Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold Swan In Micro Mosaic
Roman revival grand tour earrings with Swan.
Beautiful historical piece created during the Victorian Grand Tour era, at the Papal States in Rome Italy, back in the 1850. This rare pair of dangle drop earrings was carefully crafted with Roman and Etruscan revival patterns in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats and embellished with six intricate panels made up in the micro-mosaic technique depicting a pair of Loving Swans and to little pigeons. They have dangling elements and are fitted at the reverse with posts for pierced ears and butterfly backs.
The main gold parts are decorated with twisted wires and cylinders as connectors elements all finished with millegrain patterns. The micro mosaic is well executed, of Italian origin and made in Rome. Represent a white Swan in a lake and a little dove in a tree branch. It is made up with hundreds of tiny pieces, carved from natural hardstones, such; blue lapis lazuli, red coral, black onyx, green malachite, black onyx and cream nacre.
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.
Weight: 12.25 Grams, (7.85 Dwt).
Measurements: 63 mm by 18 mm by 5 mm (2.48 x 0.71 x 0.20 Inches).
Hallmarks: Unmarked, electronically tested for 18kt gold.
History Behind This Piece
Between the 1820 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsmen of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this brooch.
Revival jewelry
The styles from the renaissance and Middle Ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez Canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed.
Note: Many nineteenth-century jewelers, were inspired to create their own versions of these ancient pieces, hence “Etruscan Revival”, the most famous being the House of Castellani. Characteristics of Etruscan style jewelry include use of high karat gold and semi-precious stones like lapis, malachite and agates, and most distinguishingly, the use of intricate filigree and granulation.
Collateral: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of these earrings are very good. Beside the little normal wear, there is no problem to any parts. The little mosaic pieces are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E111123AEAN/.2944
