brooch
- Museum number
- 1978,1002.840
- Description
-
Two-colour gold and silver brooch in the form of a vulture fighting a snake twined around a branch, both vulture and snake are pavé-set with turquoises and pearls with eyes of cabochon rubies. Image below. Marks on pin hook.
- Production date
- 1860 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Width: 5.90 centimetres (max)
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- Text from catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift (Gere et al 1984) no 790:
Drawings for brooches of this type in the archives of the Maison Auguste Blender, dating from the 1860s, are preserved in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (see fig. 45, illustrated with 754). (Charlotte Gere).
See also: Gere & Rudoe, 'Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World', London, British Museum, 2010, Fig. 212, ‘Jewellery by Backes & Co. of Hanau. Official Illustrated Catalogue [of the Great Exhibition], p. 153.’
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2011-2012 25 Nov-26 Feb, Germany, Pforzheim, Schmuckmuseum, Serpentina: the Snake in the Jewellery of the World.
- Acquisition date
- 1978
- Acquisition notes
- Phillips Auctioneers, Blenstock House, Blenheim Street, London W1. Original invoice for £32 to Anne Hull Grundy undated, described as 'Lot 200; Turquoise, seed pearl and silver eagle brooch, the eagle in combat with a serpent which is entwined round a matted gold rustic stem with a leaf'.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1978,1002.840
- Additional IDs
-
Miscellaneous number: HG.840 (masterlist number)
