collier met zwaan c. 1901

This 'collier met zwaan' – or necklace with swan – was made by Philippe Wolfers, and it's an object that really sings to me. Just imagine him in the studio, bending and shaping those little bits of gold and enamel! There’s this beautiful swan right in the center, wings spread as if it's about to take flight. It’s kind of funny how it’s both powerful and delicate at the same time – you know, just like painting can be? The material really gets me – the gleam of gold against the pale wings. I wonder if Wolfers was thinking about other birds, or maybe the feeling of freedom. And the pearl dangling below – it adds this perfect touch of elegance, like a painter adding that final dab of paint. I think back to other artists and designers and it’s clear – we’re all in this ongoing conversation through our work.