Artwork Details
- Title
- Four Brooches
- Artist
- Date
- 1996
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- (each): 2 x 2 x 7⁄8 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 2.2 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Ferranti family in memory of David Ferranti
- Mediums Description
- sterling silver, glass, graphite
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 1999.24A-D
Artwork Description
David Ferranti used unlikely materials such as graphite, straight pins, and safety glass in place of precious gemstones. He enclosed these industrial "specimens" in glass cases, making brooches that resemble 35mm slides. The cases prevent the viewer from actually touching the materials and so emphasize the visual properties over the "feel" of the pieces. These brooches also remind us of the "curiosity cabinets" that scientists and collectors created centuries ago.