Foedraal voor broche c. 1860 - 1875

This is Alessandro Castellani's "Foedraal voor broche," a jewelry case made in the nineteenth century. Castellani was an Italian jeweler, celebrated for his revival of ancient jewelry-making techniques. The creation of this case reflects the cultural and political context of 19th century Europe, particularly Italy, which was undergoing a period of national unification. Jewelry, often seen as a symbol of wealth and status, also carried personal and sentimental value. Brooches, in particular, were worn as tokens of remembrance or affiliation. What stories could this case tell? As a container for something precious, perhaps it acted as a guardian for memories and identity. Think about the intimate act of opening such a case, and the emotional experience tied to the jewelry it holds. Does the case itself, in its simplicity, suggest a narrative of tradition and personal history?