Golden Masquerade: The Artistic Legacy of 1890s Mythological Cufflinks

These exceptional 18K yellow gold French Victorian cufflinks from 1890 are a remarkable fusion of art and mythology. Each cufflink features detailed portraits inspired by Ancient Greek comedy and tragedy, including figures akin to a Satyr, a devilish persona, Dionysos, and a character reminiscent of Medusa. Intricately crafted, with each backside uniquely modelled and the finest hinges, these cufflinks are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the late Victorian era in France. They epitomize the transitional period to Art Nouveau, reflecting sophisticated masculine elegance, making them not just accessories, but wearable pieces of art and history.

Antique jewelry object group: cufflinks

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: France

Style: Late-Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration.

Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: late-Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau - The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style.

Extra information: These cufflinks are a strong representation of the craftsmanship of the medallists of the Late Victorian era in France. Designers continued to use this technique of engraving medals extensively during the Art Nouveau period. The manufacturing of this type of jewellery became so widely known and appreciated, that the makers deserved their own style division, called "the medallists".

Period: ca. 1880
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Source of inspiration: Mythology

Theme: Four comedy and tragedy masks (?)

Material: 18K yellow gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: each head approximately 1,77 cm (0,70 inch) x 1,17 cm (0,46 inch)

Weight: 11,40 gram (7,33 dwt)

Reference Nº: 16061-0012

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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