Broche c. 1908 - 1911

This brooch was made by the Dutch artist Lodewijk Willem van Kooten II, and we can see it in the precise way the materials are handled. Gold, enamel, and lapis lazuli come together in this small square, each lending its particular qualities. The gold provides the structure, its warm color contrasting with the cool white enamel that surrounds the central lapis stone. Lapis, with its deep blue hue and occasional flecks of pyrite, makes it a prized material. Its color and texture provide depth and a sense of luxury to the piece. Consider the skill required to work with these materials. The goldsmithing, the precise application of enamel, and the lapidary work to shape the stone, each demand expertise. And of course, raw materials must first be extracted through mining and global trade. This brooch transcends mere adornment, it embodies a confluence of artistry, labor, and material value.