Necklace
ca. 1870 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Bourg-en-Bresse, in the south east of France, specialised in making enamels. The enamellers did not work directly on the finished object, but made individual plaques of enamel in a wide palette of different colours, building up the surface with separate drops of colour and tiny shapes made from gold leaf. The jewellers then set these plaques in jewellery, as if they were precious stones. They often added a tiny stone in the centre of the plaques, creating a rich multi-textured effect.
The British revered French fashion as much in the 19th century as today, and loved the rich colours of Bressan enamels. They believed that these pieces were authentic French peasant jewellery but most never formed part of traditional costume.
The British revered French fashion as much in the 19th century as today, and loved the rich colours of Bressan enamels. They believed that these pieces were authentic French peasant jewellery but most never formed part of traditional costume.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt set with enamels and coloured pastes |
Brief description | Silver-gilt necklace decorated with Bressan enamels, Bourg-en-Bresse (France), 19th century. |
Physical description | Silver-gilt necklace, consisting of 20 circular enamel medallions, alternating between small ones, and others increasing in size towards the centre, with a central motif of square and circular medallions. Pear-shaped enamel drops hang from the lower edges, and there is a matching circular snap clasp. All the medallions are further decorated with faceted pastes in the centre. |
Dimensions |
|
Marks and inscriptions | 'IM' with star in lozenge (On back of clasp.)
|
Credit line | Given by Lt. Col. R. H. R. Brocklebank DSO, in accordance with his wife's wishes |
Summary | Bourg-en-Bresse, in the south east of France, specialised in making enamels. The enamellers did not work directly on the finished object, but made individual plaques of enamel in a wide palette of different colours, building up the surface with separate drops of colour and tiny shapes made from gold leaf. The jewellers then set these plaques in jewellery, as if they were precious stones. They often added a tiny stone in the centre of the plaques, creating a rich multi-textured effect. The British revered French fashion as much in the 19th century as today, and loved the rich colours of Bressan enamels. They believed that these pieces were authentic French peasant jewellery but most never formed part of traditional costume. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.186-1937 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | January 18, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest