Ronde broche met goud en rhodoniet 1915 - 1930

Frans Zwollo crafted this round brooch from gold and rhodonite; the date is unknown. Looking at this piece, we might consider the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to restore the value of handcraftsmanship in an era of increasing industrialization, something that was well underway in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement emphasized the use of natural materials and organic forms, seen here in the choice of rhodonite. This aesthetic was a reaction against what they saw as the dehumanizing effects of factory production. Zwollo was a prominent Dutch designer, so further research might involve looking into the Werkplaatsen, which were workshops associated with the movement in the Netherlands, or to study the history of design education in the Netherlands. Understanding the value placed on craft in different historical contexts sheds light on how we engage with and interpret art today.