Nightingales

Daniel Jocz, Nightingales, 1994, fine silver, sterling silver, and 18k gold, 2 ¹⁄₄ x 2 ⁷⁄₈ x ³⁄₄ in. (5.6 x 7.4 x 1.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mobilia Gallery and Helen Bock, 1999.53, © 1994, Daniel H. Jocz

Artwork Details

Title: Nightingales
Artist: Daniel Jocz
Date: 1994
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 2 ¹⁄₄ x 2 ⁷⁄₈ x ³⁄₄ in. (5.6 x 7.4 x 1.8 cm)
Copyright: © 1994, Daniel H. Jocz
Credit Line: Gift of Mobilia Gallery and Helen Bock
Mediums Description: fine silver, sterling silver, and 18k gold
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: Figure — fragment — mouth
Emblem — cross
Object Number: 1999.53
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.53

Artwork Description

“Nightingales” is part of Daniel Jocz’s Song Series of brooches. Starting in the mid-1990s, Jocz broke away from his typical geometric forms in favor of the more representational forms he learned to sculpt in art school, particularly the figure. Jocz felt that the whole series was like a song, with each brooch representing one emotional statement. The series is marked by dreamlike imagery, often incorporating figural elements. For example, in Nightingales, a superimposed face is scattered with tiny gold crosses. Jocz did not think his brooches should be stored in a drawer, and developed small display frames for them so they could be viewed even when they were not being worn.