Unknown Maker, Italian

Brooch and Earrings
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Italian

Culture

Italian

Title

Brooch and Earrings

Year

1855

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

gold

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of N. David Scotti

Object Number

80.084.7

Type

Articles

Jewelry from the Decorative Arts and Design Collection

The American and European jewelry collection at the RISD Museum, part of the Decorative Arts and Design Department, is made up of more than 800 works, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings from the medieval period to present day.

Exhibition History

European Galleries
Sep 02, 2017

Label copy

The Grand Tour-an educational and experiential venture taken by young European aristocrats in the 1700s and 1800s-provided ample opportunities for collecting. Inspired by archaeological discoveries, these earrings and brooch were produced for and purchased by travelers. As visitors to Italy flocked to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum-ancient Roman cities that were destroyed and buried under volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79-artisans capitalized on their excitement by producing lava jewelry.

Related Objects

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Image use

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Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Italian
Brooch and Earrings, 1855
Lava with gold
Gift of N. David Scotti 80.084.7

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