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
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.

Works by this artist (2 items)

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
Bel Canto Brooch
Artist
Date1997?
18k and 14k gold and seed pearls
Not on view
Myra Mimlitsch Gray, Sugar Bowl and Creamer III, 1996, copper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1997.56A-B
Sugar Bowl and Creamer III
Artist
Date1996
copper
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Browse All Artworks
Valeri Timofeev, Chalice, 1995, fine and sterling silver, 24k gold plate, 24k gold foil, garnets, pearls, turquoise, hematite, tiger's eye, filigree wire, and plique-a-jour on Thompson and Blythe enamels, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1996.29
Chalice
Artist
Date1995
fine and sterling silver, 24k gold plate, 24k gold foil, garnets, pearls, turquoise, hematite, tiger's eye, filigree wire, and plique-a-jour on Thompson and Blythe enamels
Not on view
Fridl M. Blumenthal, Kinetic Brooch, ca. 1990, 18k gold, chrysoprase cabochons, and baroque pearl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of her husband, Bernhard Blumenthal, 1994.116, © 1990, Fridl M. Blumenthal
Kinetic Brooch
Artist
Dateca. 1990
18k gold, chrysoprase cabochons, and baroque pearl
Not on view
Frank E. Cummings III, Ode to Today, 1993, ebony, 18k gold, pearls, and imperial topaz, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.7A-C
Ode to Today
Artist
Date1993
ebony, 18k gold, pearls, and imperial topaz
Not on view
Margaret De Patta, Ring, 1953, white gold and baroque pearl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1969.79
Ring
Artist
Date1953
white gold and baroque pearl
Not on view