Rare Neo-Classicist Gold Brooch with Malachite Cameos, c. 1820

hic sunt leones!

Rare Neo-Classicist Gold Brooch with Malachite Cameos, c. 1820

€ 498.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

Those who wanted to go à la mode at the beginning of the still young 19th century looked to antiquity for inspiration. Flowing, gossamer dresses made of white muslin were intended to be reminiscent of the garments of ancient sculptures and, like these, were not fitted but gathered under the bust - the so-called Empire cut was born. The jewellery was also in line with this ideal. Cameos with mythological motifs were intended to be reminiscent of the art treasures of antiquity. Both - the ancient art of cameo cutters and mythological motifs - are combined in this brooch. A striding lion has been captured centrally as a relief in malachite. Further, smaller cameos in the form of cupids' heads surround the cameo in a finely crafted gold frame. Like the medium of the cameo itself, the motif of the lion is reminiscent of Roman antiquity. We think of the lion as a symbol of the majesty of the Romans, the gruesome battles in the Colosseum and, last but not least, the poetic description of unexplored, potentially dangerous areas on the map: "hic sunt leones", here are lions. The meaningful motif is surrounded by fine floral ornaments in textured gold in the medium of the canetille. We were able to discover this beautiful piece of jewellery here in Berlin. In English-speaking countries, this type of brooch, which was very popular at the beginning of the 19th century, is also known as a "lace pin" or "fichu pin", as its purpose was to pin the "fichu" shawl to the neckline. A rare piece that has been treasured and restored for over two centuries.

Size & Details

hic sunt leones!

€ 498.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

Learn more

hic sunt leones!

Brooches & Pins

Privacy settings