Thursday, September 27, 2012

Mastery of Design: Cupid the Earth Upholder, 1902


Cupid the Earth Upholder
Phoebe Traquair
Scotland, 1902
The Victoria & Albert Museum



Scotland’s Phoebe Traquair, in addition to her famed enamel work, also created beautiful works of embroidery, murals and illuminated manuscripts. However, her jewelry work seems to be the best medium for her brilliant spirit. Phoebe created vivid foiled enamel scenes in unusual settings—mostly devoted to mythical or spiritual subjects. Influenced by medieval and Renaissance examples, Traquair’s jewelry, triptychs, caskets and mounted cups and covers owe much to pieces from the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries. This pendant shows Phoebe’s preferred style. Entitled “Cupid the Earth Upholder,” the piece consists of enameled gold which has been set with colored and foiled glass. The central portion depicts a kneeling Cupid holding a globe. The greens and blues especially pop against the copper beneath the enamel. It is signed and dated 1902 and was made in Edinburgh. 






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