Four Brooches

Copied David Ferranti, Four Brooches, 1996, sterling silver, glass, graphite, (each): 2 x 2 x 7⁄8 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 2.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Ferranti family in memory of David Ferranti, 1999.24A-D

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
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.