Name/Title
Brooch, probably Europe, late 19th centuryEntry/Object ID
2023.018Description
Black circular brooch with individual inlays of precious stones. Flowers are possibly a yellow rose, lily of the valley, Himalayan poppy, and a Casablanca lily.Context
This is possibly a "grand tour" brooch. From modernvintagestyle.co.uk: "In the late 19th century the typical European holiday for the upper classes was the Grand Tour. On their journeys through European cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, tourist bought brooches as souvenirs of the trip. Typically the brooches depicted pictorial scenes, ancient Roman architecture or flowers, birds, or animals.
The Grand Tour brooches were created using mosaic inlays. Semi precious stones such as lapis, aventurine, turquoise and malachite were precisely cut and fitted together to create motifs or scenes on a dark background. Micro mosaic techniques were used to create miniature flowers, floral bouquets and landscapes."Acquisition
Accession
2023.018Acquisition Method
FICMaterials
Material
Semi precious stones, BrassMaterial Notes
Possibly onyx, turquoise, and mother of pearl