Brooch c. 1908 - 1911

Lodewijk Willem van Kooten II created this brooch sometime between 1876 and 1949, using gold, stone, and enamel. Van Kooten was a Dutch artist who lived through times of significant cultural and social change. This piece, reflecting the aesthetics of its time, embodies an interest in craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials. The brooch, with its geometric design, speaks to the Art Deco movement, which emphasized symmetry and streamlined forms. The combination of gold and a brownish stone, encircled with blue enamel, creates a warm, inviting palette. Consider the emotional weight of jewelry. It often serves as a deeply personal object, symbolizing identity, status, and memory. The brooch can be seen as an intimate piece of history, a relic that once adorned someone, reflecting their taste and position in society. While the design is modern, it also carries a sense of timelessness, a connection to past eras. This brooch stands as a testament to the enduring human desire for adornment, reminding us of the stories we carry with us, both visible and unseen.