Dress Ornament
1610-1620 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Dress ornaments were small items of adornment, for the wealtheir clients usually made of gold, silver or silver gilt and often elaborately decorated. They were sewn onto garments for decorative effect rather than for any functional purpose. They were often made in matching sets of differing sizes so that they could be strategically placed across the sleeves, bodice, or jacket, and were worn by both men and women.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast and enamelled gold |
| Brief description | Enamelled gold openwork ornament with a cast female figure at the centre, Southern Germany, 1610-1620 |
| Physical description | Gold openwork ornament with a cast female figure at the centre holding two goblets and therefore identified as Temperance. Enamelled in white, blue, green and black. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Historical context | This jewel was probably a dress ornament originally sewn onto the fabric of the dress. The female figure at the centre is identified as Temperance because of her attribute, two goblets of water. She therefore may have been part of a set of ornaments depicting the cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance), which were often paired with the theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity). |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Dress ornaments were small items of adornment, for the wealtheir clients usually made of gold, silver or silver gilt and often elaborately decorated. They were sewn onto garments for decorative effect rather than for any functional purpose. They were often made in matching sets of differing sizes so that they could be strategically placed across the sleeves, bodice, or jacket, and were worn by both men and women. |
| Bibliographic reference | Bury, Shirley, Jewellery Gallery Summary Catalogue (Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982), Case 13, Board F, no.10 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 9038-1863 |
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| Record created | August 3, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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