Enchanting Antique Locket with Enamel Painting on Gold, c. 1890

The Rococo—the courtly world of elegance, lightness, and refined luxury—radiated from France throughout Europe, and not only in the 18th century. Even after the end of the Ancien Régime, its stylistic language remained alive and experienced repeated revivals in the 19th century in the wake of Historicism. The revival of this style, often referred to as Neo-Rococo, began around the 1830s and remained of great significance well into the second half of the century. Particularly during the Second Empire under Napoleon III, a pronounced preference for elegant, fluid ornamentation developed, which quickly spread throughout Europe. The pendant presented here is a fine example of the revival of the Rococo style in the late 19th century. The round locket is crafted from gold; its front cover is adorned all around with three-dimensional leaf scrolls and rocaille motifs. At the center is a graceful enamel painting: in the pastel color palette of the Rococo, a young lady appears in typical 18th-century attire, wearing a tall, powdered wig adorned with small pearl jewellery. According to the hallmark, the piece of jewellery was imported to Prague between 1872 and 1902. It was most likely created around 1890. The restored loop and a matching, modern gold chain make the locket ready to wear again today. Inside, the locket features small glass-covered frames that hold two photographs, thus combining its historicist form with the modern visual culture of the 19th century.

Estimate:£1,081.7

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