Broche c. 1906

This brooch was made by Frans Zwollo, but when exactly, well, that's part of the mystery, isn't it? I'm drawn to the way Zwollo embraces intricate detail, especially in the textured wings crafted from gold. It speaks to a meticulous, almost obsessive process, much like the layering in a painting, where each stroke builds upon the last. Look at how the wings fan out, each feather distinct yet united. The gold has a tactile quality; you can almost feel the coolness of the metal and the precision of the craftsman’s touch. Those snaking heads coming in from either side! And the turquoise orb at the center is like a pool, grounding this winged fantasy with a touch of earthly calm. I find myself thinking about Klimt and his elaborate ornamentation. Both artists revel in detail, inviting us to lose ourselves in their elaborate worlds. Art is like a game of telephone, don’t you think? A never-ending conversation across time. This piece offers not just something beautiful to behold but also a portal to imagine making, a conversation that keeps evolving.