DATE: Georgian, c.1780

Remarkable antique brooch made in Norway in the latter half of the 18th century. It's large, incredibly ornate with silver filigree, leaves, and foiled paste gemstones, all arranged around a central hinged locket compartment home to a finely painted miniature depiction of cupid holding crossed spears being consumed by flames. The words "De Brenner begge" - They Both Burn - emblazoned on a banner above the scene. My guess is that it relates to Love and War, a sort of literal and metaphysical observation of the two, historically entwined, subjects? It's an incredibly piece, crafted around 1780 in silver, the larger paste gemstones featuring pink foil backs. Possibly to commemorate the Great Northern War, or perhaps the end of a toxic relationship? Who knows.

STONES 

Paste Gemstones

MEASUREMENTS 

8.4 x 4.3cm

WEIGHT 

20.3g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as silver

CONDITION 

Good, some general wear/patina commensurate with age. The glass from the locket compartment has been replaced