French Art Nouveau Peridot Diamond Gold and Plique-a-Jour ”Juliet” Pendant

Description

French Art Nouveau Peridot Diamond Gold and Plique-a-Jour ”Juliet” Pendant

Shown in the Poster House (New York) exhibition “Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau./Nouvelle Femme,” June 20-October 6, 2019.

Note: This exquisite Art Nouveau image depicts Juliet at the moment when Romeo, lingering in the Montague”s garden, catches sight of her on her balcony. She is illuminated by the dawn light, represented in the jewel by the sparkling diamonds framing her head and the panes of glowing plique-a-jour enamel behind her. Though he first sees Juliet dancing with another man, Romeo is not put off, predicting that their love will prove “a beauteous flower” and identifying her with light: “she teaches the torches to burn bright”. Meanwhile, behind a veneer of obedience, Juliette, resolute, witty, and loyal, chooses independence in death over life with the man her father has commanded her to marry. In part thanks to his captivating and complex woman heroes like Juliet, Shakespeare “went global” in the 19th century, inspiring world artists not only in drama but painting, printmaking, fiction, music and jewellery. Circa 1900.

• Metal:
  18k Gold
• Stone:
  Natural Pearl, Peridot, Diamond
• Dimensions:
  Width: 28.71 mm (1.13 in)Length: 50.8 mm (2 in)
• Style:
  Art Nouveau
• Place of Origin:
  France
• Period:
  1900-1909
• Date of Manufacture:
  1900
• Condition:
  Excellent