Dragonfly brooch 1885 - 1895

Editor: Let's discuss this breathtaking dragonfly brooch, dating back to the late 19th century. I find it striking how such delicate beauty could be forged from metal and glass. I'm curious—what does this piece evoke in you? Curator: Ah, it's a shimmering whisper of the Art Nouveau, isn't it? A captured moment of nature's ephemeral dance. Imagine a world awakening from the Industrial Revolution, yearning for beauty, for the touch of the organic. And there it is: a dragonfly, frozen in iridescent glory, a symbol of transformation and freedom. What do you notice about the colours? Editor: They seem almost watercolor-like, fading from vibrant green near the body to soft blue at the wingtips. Curator: Exactly! And the way light plays on the glass…it’s meant to capture the dragonfly's ethereal nature. Each gem, each curve, serves to pull us into its miniature world. Imagine it catching the light on a summer dress... Did brooches such as this one actually work, from your perspective? Editor: You mean, were they wearable? I suppose the craftsmanship must have been superb to balance beauty with functionality. Curator: It’s more than just functionality; it’s about a statement, an extension of one's inner landscape. Perhaps the wearer found themselves captivated by dragonflies... Did you ever consider dragonflies as art objects? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but the brooch transforms the dragonfly into something otherworldly. It also captures a specific moment in design history. Curator: And hopefully inspires us to create a bit of beauty ourselves.