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Renaissance revival neck ornament
Designed by: G. Paulding Farnham (American, 1859–1927)
For: Tiffany & Co. (American, active 1837 - present)
For: Tiffany & Co. (American, active 1837 - present)
American
1900–04
Medium/Technique
Platinum, gold, enamel, diamond, ruby, emerald, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, sapphire, and pearl
Dimensions
Depth x length: 0.7 x 147.3 cm (1/4 x 58 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Susan B. Kaplan
Accession Number2015.3184
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands
DescriptionLong gold, gemset, and enamel chain with arabesques and scrolling motifs evocative of Renaissance revival jewelry. The pastel color palate of greens, orange, and pinks is unexpected of this genre of jewelry, as is its design as a long chain rather than a connected necklace. The form is likely inspired from the chains worn by women in Renaissance portraiture which was sewn onto the dress to adorn the bodice.
Many of Farnham's revival-themed jewels were shown, to great acclaim, at the 1901 Buffalo Exposition.
Many of Farnham's revival-themed jewels were shown, to great acclaim, at the 1901 Buffalo Exposition.
Marks
Tiffany & Co.
ProvenanceAround 1900-1904, purchased from Tiffany & Co. [see note 1] by Henry Walters (1848-1931) and soon after probably given to his sister Jennie Walters Delano (1853-1922) [see note 2]; descended through Delano's family; March 17, 2009, purchased at Skinner Auctioneers, Boston, by Susan B. Kaplan, Brookline, MA; 2015, gift of Kaplan to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 16, 2015)
NOTES:
[1] Possibly purchased at the 1901 Pan American Exhibition in Buffalo, NY.
[2] According to records at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, the piece was purchased from Tiffany & Co. by Henry Walters for "a relative," most likely his sister Jennie Walters Delano.
NOTES:
[1] Possibly purchased at the 1901 Pan American Exhibition in Buffalo, NY.
[2] According to records at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, the piece was purchased from Tiffany & Co. by Henry Walters for "a relative," most likely his sister Jennie Walters Delano.