Jewelry Designs in Gold, Diamonds and Other Precious Stones, Plate 7 from "L'Art de la Bijouterie" 1879 - 1881

Editor: This is Plate 7 from "L'Art de la Bijouterie", Jewelry Designs in Gold, Diamonds and Other Precious Stones, created between 1879 and 1881 by Jean Francois Barousse. It’s a print and watercolour drawing. The intricacy is just amazing, and the colours, particularly the blues and greens, really pop against the gold. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's important to situate this plate within the context of 19th-century industrialization and consumer culture. "L'Art de la Bijouterie" wasn’t just a portfolio of designs, it was a tool intended for jewelers to showcase and sell their wares. These intricate designs reflect a growing middle class eager to consume luxury goods, demonstrating their status and taste. Note the Japonisme influence. Editor: Japonisme? How so? Curator: Consider the asymmetrical arrangements, the delicate lines, and emphasis on refined craftsmanship evident in Japanese art which profoundly influenced Western decorative arts. Mass production was increasing, but consumers desired objects that appeared bespoke, highlighting skilled artistry. This book catered to this need. Were these designs ever put in production or remain only on paper? Editor: That’s a great question. It makes me wonder about the line between art and commerce back then, and how this publication straddled those worlds. Curator: Precisely! And consider who had access to this imagery? Did these designs inspire broader fashion trends, or were they confined to elite circles? Understanding the social reach of images like these is key to appreciating their historical impact. Editor: That's given me a whole new perspective. I initially just saw pretty jewelry, but it represents so much more. Curator: Exactly. By understanding the socio-economic context, we see beyond the surface glitter.