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The Tragedy of Great Love

Lisa Gralnick (American, born in 1956)
American
1994
Object Place: Rosendale, New York

Medium/Technique Silver, gold (18k), glass, salt, sugar
Dimensions Overall (pendant, closed): 4.5 x 5.4 x 1.9 cm (1 3/4 x 2 1/8 x 3/4 in.)
Length (chain): 86.4 cm (34 in.)
Credit Line The Daphne Farago Collection
Accession Number2006.217

The locket of this necklace bears a public exterior and a secret interior known only to the wearer. When opened it reveals a circular recess that holds a gold ring, the archetypal wedding band and symbol of eternity. Below the removable ring, and behind a glass window, are two granular substances labeled "SUGAR" and "SALT," metaphors for the sweet and bitter aspects of love. Over time, the salt corroded the silver interior, an effect that was part of the jewel’s concept. According to the artist, "Although the sugar and salt looked the same when the piece was made . . . over time one would remain stable and one would be corrosive." The jewel symbolizes the public-private aspect of relationships and poetically addresses the complex and often contradictory nature of love.


DescriptionOxidized silver chain comprised of interlocking circular links, with one 18kt. yellow gold link. The locket pendant is in the form of a square hinged box. On the front of the locket is a negative circular recess. The locket opens to reveal a detachable gold ring, and two compartments behind glass, containing granular material, one labeled "SUGAR" and the other labeled "SALT." The inside of the locket's cover is stamped "THE TRAGEDY OF / GREAT LOVE".
Signed " Lisa Gralnick" engraved in script on rear of locket
ProvenanceSusan Cummins Gallery; Daphne Farago, November 3, 1994 Daphne Farago; to MFA, 2006, gift of Daphne Farago.
CopyrightReproduced with permission.