Archaeological-style circular gold brooch, Rome, circa 1865–1885

Elegant circular brooch in yellow gold, designed as an annular mount in the Archaeological Revival taste. The robust circular frame is bordered on both the inner and outer edges by finely executed twisted ropework, a characteristic decorative feature of Roman archaeological jewellery of the second half of the nineteenth century.
The annular band is divided into a regular sequence of rectangular panels, each ornamented with a stylised rosette composed of minute gold granules arranged in a six-petal pattern, skilfully reproducing the appearance of ancient Etruscan granulation. The exceptional precision of the workmanship, the harmonious proportions and the refined execution of the ropework borders testify to a workshop of the highest technical standard.
The reverse displays a substantial boxed construction of remarkable quality, retaining its original pin fitting with tubular hinge, pin stem and catch, all entirely handcrafted. The careful assembly and robust structure are fully consistent with the finest Roman goldsmiths' work of the period.
Both stylistically and technically, the brooch reflects the revival of Etruscan and Graeco-Roman jewellery that characterised the Roman Archaeological Revival movement, promoted by the celebrated Castellani workshop and later adopted by several of the city's foremost jewellers.
In terms of workmanship, decorative vocabulary and overall design, the present brooch finds close parallels with circular brooches and ornamental mounts produced by the Castellani workshop and by other leading Roman jewellers active during the second half of the nineteenth century.

In the absence of a legible maker's mark, the present jewel is therefore attributed to the Castellani workshop or its immediate artistic circle, and may reasonably be dated to circa 1865–1885.

Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 cm. Weight: 8.3 g