Ring c. 20th century

This ring was made by an anonymous artist, its date is unknown, and it lives here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Look at how this little figure is pieced together, like a tiny stained-glass window. I love the way the artist works with distinct shapes and colors, fitting them together with a casual precision. It’s like a mosaic, but one that you can wear. You can see in its crafting a process of assembling, of building something, piece by piece. The materials are so tactile and varied, from the polished stones to the rougher, textured silver. The iridescent shell that makes up the body, shimmering with blues and greens, adds such depth to the piece. It makes me think of a Lee Bontecou sculpture, where disparate elements come together to create something wholly new. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of the beauty found in simple forms and the ongoing conversation between artists across time. It reminds us that art is alive and constantly evolving.