Ideogram Bracelet #9: Most Bloody

Colette, Ideogram Bracelet #9: Most Bloody, 1990, fabricated 14k, 18k, and 24k gold, fine and sterling silver, cloisonne enamel, ruby, Indian moonstone, and rubellite, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1991.149.1, © 1990, Colette
Copied Colette, Ideogram Bracelet #9: Most Bloody, 1990, fabricated 14k, 18k, and 24k gold, fine and sterling silver, cloisonne enamel, ruby, Indian moonstone, and rubellite, 1 782 122 in. (4.86.45.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1991.149.1, © 1990, Colette

Artwork Details

Title
Ideogram Bracelet #9: Most Bloody
Artist
Date
1990
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
1 782 122 in. (4.86.45.2 cm.)
Copyright
© 1990, Colette
Credit Line
Gift of an anonymous donor
Mediums Description
fabricated 14k, 18k, and 24k gold, fine and sterling silver, cloisonne enamel, ruby, Indian moonstone, and rubellite
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — bird — crow
Object Number
1991.149.1

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.”