Broche van rechthoekig gesneden been met twee kleuren goud en robijnen c. 1945 - 1953

This ornate brooch by Vanzetka features carved bone, two-tone gold, and rubies. Imagine the patience and precision it took to carve this piece, shifting and emerging through trial, error, and intuition. I sympathize with the artist; I can imagine the focus it took to create the intricate details in the bone and setting of the piece. What were they thinking when they made it? How did the interplay between texture, colour, and surface shape their experience? The fine details of the carving communicate a feeling of reverence and intimacy, as if the artist is sharing a secret with the viewer. The work reminds me of the goldsmithing of Castellani, though in a completely different style. The artist is in an ongoing conversation with other artisans, with an exchange of ideas across time, inspiring each other’s creativity. The piece is an embodied expression embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations.