Gold, painted ivory, enamel, diamond & pearl

H  5.00cm (1.97 in)  |  W  5.60cm (2.20 in)

'The Vestal Virgins'
An important classical jewel in the style of the antique by the Art Nouveau Parisian jeweler René Foy.
Semi circular colonade of ionic columns. Strung between the capitals are enamelled floral garlands. The central motif is of the Vestal Virgins dancing around the sacred flame supported by a half column.
An extraordinary jewel by René Foy whose contribution to the Paris International Exhibition 1900 was greatly praised.
The brooch fitting can be unscrewed to allow for the hinged pendant loops (Please see 'Reverse' view).

Literature
llustrated in our book:
Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2021, p. 197
The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair, 2007, Handbook, Published in association with The National Magazine Company Limited, Tadema Gallery, Stand 27, illustrated p. 224.
Jewels & Jewellery, Clare Phillips, Thames & Hudson / V&A, illustrated Art Nouveau in Paris and Brussels p.112

Collections
Now in the collection of The Victoria & Albert Museum
Given in memory of David

Ref No   4808

Sold