Lot Essay
This double clip brooch was the centrepiece of the Mauboussin vitrine at the 1939 International Exhibition held in New York. Bold and opulent, it is a superb example of the level of creativity prevailing in those years.
The early twenties were known for their delicate, predominantly "white" jewels, which gave way to the colourful creations in the middle of the decade. With the 1930s, monochromatic pieces came once again into vogue. Yet, instead of reverting to the delicate styles current in the beginning of the previous decade, jewels became increasingly sculptural and audacious. They also grew more versatile. This double clip, for example, may be worn together as an impressive cascade or separated as two clips.
Throughout the twenties and thirties, Mauboussin created many jewels inspired by water. At the famed Exposition des Arts Décoratif of 1925, they presented a lovely diadem referred to as the "Grande Fontaine". It incorporated baguettes to represent the rising streams of water. This motif was perpetuated throughout the decade. The present double clip brooch, slightly more abstract in nature, evokes the cascades of a waterfall.
The early twenties were known for their delicate, predominantly "white" jewels, which gave way to the colourful creations in the middle of the decade. With the 1930s, monochromatic pieces came once again into vogue. Yet, instead of reverting to the delicate styles current in the beginning of the previous decade, jewels became increasingly sculptural and audacious. They also grew more versatile. This double clip, for example, may be worn together as an impressive cascade or separated as two clips.
Throughout the twenties and thirties, Mauboussin created many jewels inspired by water. At the famed Exposition des Arts Décoratif of 1925, they presented a lovely diadem referred to as the "Grande Fontaine". It incorporated baguettes to represent the rising streams of water. This motif was perpetuated throughout the decade. The present double clip brooch, slightly more abstract in nature, evokes the cascades of a waterfall.