Frances E. Kite, Traveling on the Edge Brooch, 2000, 24k gold, cloisonne enamel on fine silver with 24k gold foils, 14k, 18k, 22k gold, garnet, diamond, and Biwa pearl, 3 1⁄2 in. x 1 in. x 3⁄8 in. (8.8 x 2.5 x 1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Christine L. Droll, Frances E. Kite, and Nicolas Crevecoeur, 2003.27.3
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Traveling on the Edge Brooch
- Artist
- Date
- 2000
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 3 1⁄2 in. x 1 in. x 3⁄8 in. (8.8 x 2.5 x 1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Christine L. Droll, Frances E. Kite, and Nicolas Crevecoeur
- Mediums Description
- 24k gold, cloisonne enamel on fine silver with 24k gold foils, 14k, 18k, 22k gold, garnet, diamond, and Biwa pearl
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 2003.27.3
Artwork Description
Frances E. Kite created Traveling on the Edge Brooch during what she describes as a "great change" in her life. She was recovering from her mother's death while also adjusting to a new life of looking after two adopted children. The contrasts in this brooch, between hard and soft, dark and light, and smooth and jagged, evoke the ups and downs of the journey of her life. The colors and patterns of the cloisonné enamel complement the hues of the gemstones, from the rich, bloodlike garnet at the top to the natural pearl that falls from the bottom like a glistening teardrop. The sparkle of the diamond and worked gold balances these somber emblems of mourning.