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Rare Victorian Egyptian Revival Micromosaic Brooch and Earring Suite
ca. 1875, 15k gold, the brooch with a large circular micromosaic pharonic masque and pendant smaller one, suspended from a scrolling flower centered bar and decorated with "knife-edge" scrolls and beaded swags, the reverse with pin and catch of later date; the earrings en suite with the original "fishhook" earwires. brooch h. 2-7/8", w. 1-3/8", earrings w. 3/4", l. 2", total weight 34.3 grams

Notes: The 1860s saw the beginnings of what became known as the Second Egyptian Revival, the First being the "Egyptomania" of the early 1800s highlighted by Napoleon's campaigns and Champollion's translation of hieroglyphics, and the Third following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The Suez Canal was constructed between 1859 and 1869, and during this period Auguste Mariette, Egypt's first Director of Antiquities, uncovered many extraordinary finds, not the least of which was the funerary jewelry of Ahhotep II. He oversaw the Egyptian stand at the 1869 Exposition Universelle, which brought the Revival to its height, continuing well into the 1870s with Verdi's magnificent Aida. The new wealthy middle class in England added Egyptian landmarks to the itinerary of Grand Tour, and added Egyptian motifs to the archaeological styles of fashionable jewelry. The present lot is a handsome example of this historical eclecticism, combining Egyptian motifs with Roman-style mosaics with Etruscan-inspired gold decoration.

ca. 1875, 15k gold, the brooch with a large circular micromosaic pharonic masque and pendant smaller one, suspended from a scrolling flower centered bar and decorated with "knife-edge" scrolls and beaded swags, the reverse with pin and catch of later date; the earrings en suite with the original "fishhook" earwires.
brooch h. 2-7/8", w. 1-3/8", earrings w. 3/4", l. 2", total weight 34.3 grams

  • Notes: The 1860s saw the beginnings of what became known as the Second Egyptian Revival, the First being the "Egyptomania" of the early 1800s highlighted by Napoleon's campaigns and Champollion's translation of hieroglyphics, and the Third following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The Suez Canal was constructed between 1859 and 1869, and during this period Auguste Mariette, Egypt's first Director of Antiquities, uncovered many extraordinary finds, not the least of which was the funerary jewelry of Ahhotep II. He oversaw the Egyptian stand at the 1869 Exposition Universelle, which brought the Revival to its height, continuing well into the 1870s with Verdi's magnificent Aida. The new wealthy middle class in England added Egyptian landmarks to the itinerary of Grand Tour, and added Egyptian motifs to the archaeological styles of fashionable jewelry. The present lot is a handsome example of this historical eclecticism, combining Egyptian motifs with Roman-style mosaics with Etruscan-inspired gold decoration.
  • Condition: **In overall good condition with very minor wear consistent with age and use. The brooch with a later pin replacement. The earrings appear to have the original earwires.

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December 4, 2021 11:00 AM CST
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