Ideogram Brooch/Pendant with Two Striped and Wrapped Cats

Colette, Ideogram Brooch/Pendant with Two Striped and Wrapped Cats, 1989, fabricated 14k and 24k gold, fine and sterling silver, cloisonne enamel, and baroque Tahitian pearl, 2 x 3 ¹⁄₈ x ¹⁄₂ in. (5.2 x 8.0 x 1.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1991.149.2, © 1989, Colette

Artwork Details

Title: Ideogram Brooch/Pendant with Two Striped and Wrapped Cats
Artist: Colette
Date: 1989
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 2 x 3 ¹⁄₈ x ¹⁄₂ in. (5.2 x 8.0 x 1.3 cm.)
Copyright: © 1989, Colette
Credit Line: Gift of an anonymous donor
Mediums: gold
silver
pearl
enamel
Mediums Description: fabricated 14k and 24k gold, fine and sterling silver, cloisonne enamel, and baroque Tahitian pearl
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: State of being — phenomenon — surreal
Animal — cat
Object Number: 1991.149.2
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1991.149.2

Artwork Description

Colette created the Ideogram series after recovering from a dangerous case of meningitis. An ideogram expresses an idea with a symbol instead of a word, and in this series the symbols refer to the impairment the artist experienced while she was ill. The deep red of the bracelet, in particular, symbolizes the pain she endured through this episode. For the artist, the animals in both pieces represent “unwitting observers of, testimonials to, our condition.”