About this Piece
Length: | 1 3/8” |
Width: | 1" |
Material: | Tests for gold-filled |
Weight: | 8.4 grams |
Mark: | No mark |
Era: | Art Nouveau |
Why You’ll Love It
The Gibson Girl was more than a symbol of independence; she was somewhat of an icon. The 1890s and early 1900s introduced a new phenomenon of what women could be in the coming years. Enter: The Gibson Girl, the visual ideal of an educated, poised, and confident young woman, as seen in this Art Nouveau watch for charm. Her unique features are brought to life by her flowing hair, flowers, and raised relief design. Note the detailed bail and double-sided design, making every little inch of this antique pendant as thoughtful and unique as the Gibson Girl herself.
Condition and Quality
● | Bright patina with minimal surface wear to the setting. No dents. |
● | Secure, original bail. |
Collector Note
On The Gibson Girl.The Gibson Girl was a cultural icon in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, representing the ideal of feminine beauty and style. The Gibson Girl was depicted in illustrations by artist Charles Dana Gibson, characterized by her tall, slender frame, upswept hair, and fashionable clothing. The Gibson Girl became a symbol of the emerging modern woman, representing a departure from the Victorian era's restrictive standards of femininity. She was seen as confident, independent, and active, and her image was used in advertising and popular culture to promote various products and ideas. The Gibson Girl's influence on fashion and popular culture can still be seen today, and she remains an enduring symbol of early 20th-century American culture.
On the Art Nouveau Movement. Design motifs of the Art Nouveau movement from the early 20th century are all about stylized, curving and flowing lines found in nature. Though occurring at a similar time as the Arts and Crafts movement and sharing some design sensibilities, the Art Nouveau was far more whimsical and lighthearted. Popular figural motifs included fairies, flowers, and the "Art Nouveau lady" (a highly feminine woman generally depicted with flowing and flowered hair).