Brooch

ca. 1836–50

Not on view

By the mid-nineteenth century, Americans were experiencing an era of innovation in science and industry. Among the latter was the jewelry industry, which, like fashions in dress, looked to Europe for inspiration. A nostalgic romanticism infused contemporary styles in both England and America. Such mid-eighteenth-century motifs as flowers and scrolls began to reappear. This lovely half-set of brooch and earrings emulates French and English designs in the use of dark blue enamel set with diamonds and pearls. Enameling was still a little-practiced art in America, requiring the skills of a specialized craftsman. The process involved heating vitreous (glassy) enamels to bond them onto a metal surface, in this case gold. This jewelry is still housed in its original box, the lid of which is imprinted with the name and address of the jeweler: E. W. BURR / 573 B.WAY / NEW-YORK. City directories indicate that Edward Burr moved to 573 Broadway by 1858, helping us to establish a date for the set.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Title: Brooch
Maker: Edward Burr (active 1838–68)
Date: ca. 1836–50
Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Gold, pearls, diamonds, and enamel
Dimensions: Brooch: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2000
Object Number: 2000.549.1
Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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Earrings, Edward Burr American, Gold, pearls, diamonds, and enamel, American — Earrings
Edward Burr
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Library Table, Herter Brothers American, Rosewood, brass, mother-of-pearl, and abalone, American — Library Table
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Architectural woodwork and paneling, George A. Schastey & Co. American, Satinwood, purpleheart, mother-of-pearl, silver-plated brass, mirrored glass, marble, and reproduction upholstery, American — Architectural woodwork and paneling
George A. Schastey & Co.
George A. Schastey
1881–82

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