Eagle's Majesty: An Ornate Victorian Bangle

An exquisite French Late Victorian bangle, crafted from historical ivory and adorned with majestic gold eagle head ornaments, evokes the era's grandeur. This piece, dating back to the 1890s, mirrors the exceptional goldsmithing and sculpting prowess synonymous with French artistry. Without a master's mark, yet its hallmark authenticates its French origin. Its condition is excellent, with the eagle heads ingeniously engineered to pivot on the wrist, epitomising the innovative spirit bridging Victorian opulence and the nascent Art Nouveau movement.

First let us make the statement that we are glad that the trade in modern ivory is forbidden. Next statement we make is that this piece is over 100 years old and was made in a time that there was no global awareness yet of possible endangered species. We were hesitating to make this purchase as we normally do not buy ivory pieces. What drew us over the line is the fact that this bangle magnificently reflects the period it was made in, the late Nineteenth Century, showing the great goldsmith and sculpting skills the French are so well known for.

An extreme decorative bangle out of undamaged ivory with strong realistically gold made eagle heads, hallmarked with French hallmarks. Unfortunately we couldn't find any master marks in them. But even if we would, the chance that we could then determine the jeweler who made it would be small, as the index of French Master marks is one of the worst to consult. It is made to wear because the heads can be slightly turned once on the wrist.

We have contacted the Belgian office for environmental issues and were told that within the European Community we do not need a CITES-certificate for this bangle as it is antique. Only when our client for this bracelet lives outside the European Community we do need a so-called CITES-document. Only with the name of the buyer of this bracelet we can ask for this certificate and itcan take up to two weeks for the Belgian office of environmental issues to send us this document.

Antique jewelry object group: bangle

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: France

Style: Between Victorian and Art Nouveau - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament.

The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. Art Nouveau (French for New Style) is an international movement and style of art, architecture and applied ar - especially the decorative arts - that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905).

The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art". It is also known as “Jugendstil”, German for "youth style", named after the magazine Jugend, which promoted it, and in Italy, Stile Liberty from the department store in London, Liberty & Co., which popularised the style. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly stylized, flowing curvilinear forms.

Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life.
  -  See also: late-Victorian, early Art Nouveau, eclecticism or more info on styles

Style specifics: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau - The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style.

Period: ca. 1890
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Source of inspiration: Mother Nature

Theme: eagle

Material: 18K yellow gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Extra information: Eagle symbolism - The eagle symbolized strength, courage, farsightedness and immortality. It is considered to be the king of the air and the messenger of the highest Gods. Mythologically, it is connected by the Greeks with the God Zeus, by the Romans with Jupiter, by the Germanic tribes with Odin and by Christians with God. Read more about the eagle and its symbolism.

Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: inner diameter 7,44 cm (2,93 inch), inner circumference 23,50 cm (9,25 inch)

Weight: 45,10 gram (29,00 dwt)

Reference Nº: 19078-0140

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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