Archaeological revival necklace

Castellani

ca. 1880 · Gold, glass · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

One of the purest expression of the nineteenth century’s interest in historical styles is found in the so-called archaeological jewelry produced by firms such as Castellani, the maker of this necklace. Castellani looked to Etruscan, ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Medieval styles for inspiration for its jewelry, and it sought out ancient techniques as well as motifs for reinterpretation. Archaeological jewelry was extremely popular in Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century, and was actively acquired at the highest levels of society.

Artist

Castellani

Date

ca. 1880

Medium

Gold, glass

Culture

Italian, Rome

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler, in honor of Stephanie Fowler Levin and Clay Fowler, 2016