Bel Canto Brooch

Myra Mimlitsch Gray, Bel Canto Brooch, 1997?, 18k and 14k gold and seed pearls, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Shelby M. Gans, 2003.27.2
Copied Myra Mimlitsch Gray, Bel Canto Brooch, 1997?, 18k and 14k gold and seed pearls, 3 1⁄2 x 1 1⁄4 x 5⁄8 in. (9.0 x 3.2 x 1.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Shelby M. Gans, 2003.27.2

Artwork Details

Title
Bel Canto Brooch
Artist
Date
1997?
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 1⁄2 x 1 1⁄4 x 5⁄8 in. (9.0 x 3.2 x 1.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Shelby M. Gans
Mediums
Mediums Description
18k and 14k gold and seed pearls
Classifications
Object Number
2003.27.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.27.2

Artwork Description

The phrase bel canto means "beautiful singing" and describes a type of Italian opera that demands acrobatic vocal flourishes, especially from sopranos. Each twist of gold in this brooch evokes a different passage in the music, and the tiny beads of gold at the top appear to burst out from the center, suggesting the top notes in a lively cabaletta, a fast-paced aria with a repetitive rhythm.