Description
This is a wonderful, wonderful find with what I can only describe as “sublime” enamel work. The design is a confirmed Meyle & Mayer design, a similar example appearing as Item MM27 on p267 of Fritz Falk’s masterful book “Art Nouveau Jewellery from Pforzheim”. It is a c1900 antique piece executed in silver gilt with beautiful gossamer greens, pinks and blues. In the book, the example has plique-a-jour wings, whereas in this example, the beautiful enamel work used for the body, continues up into the wings’ detailing. This is the only example I have seen like this and it is a triumphant piece of Pforzheim Jugendstil / Art Nouveau.
The enamelling has a silken, ethereal quality to it-perfect to add to the lightness of the dragonfly motif. The dragonfly symbolises transformation and joy and I find the double message beautiful, as the legs of the dragonfly are clutching a real natural pearl, symbolising eternal love and support. Beautiful significance of the changes we all experience but knowing there is a firm foundation of love guiding us through. Don’t you just love the symbolism used in jewellery.
The enamelling is in excellent condition for her age, with no chips or damage being evident. The wings have the same pale green silky base but have tinges of blue enamel near the body of the dragonfly and touches of pink on the tops of the wings. A complete work of art by some of the best jewellery makers in Pforzheim, Germany in that era. This brooch will look sensational whether you intend wearing it or else exhibiting it. Stamped with the “DEPOSE” mark on the body of the dragonfly and with a tiny, tiny mark on the C clasp which I just can’t determine, even with a 30x magnification loupe. However, a known Meyle & Mayer design, confirmed in literature and what a beauty! I love the detailing on the face, which you can see in the reference book too- quite a personality this dragonfly.
Quite a large piece at approx 5cm wide by 5.8cm in height. I shall send by complimentary special delivery in the UK or else by Express international courier so that you receive her quickly. Please note that boxes in the images are for display only. Thank you.
Ref:cyl
