18K Gold, Garnet and Enamel French Art Nouveau Brooch, Circa 1900

One 18k yellow gold, lady's Art Nouveau era brooch designed in the femme motif. Depicted is a woman with flowing long hair; she is accented with shades of green enamel around the head. Additionally, there is one small oval faceted purple-red ruby set within a yellow gold drop-bezel. This drop is at the bottom of the item.

A pin, joint & "C" style catch is secured on the back of the item. French fineness marks are present, although difficult to discern.

During this period, (predominantly male) Art Nouveau artists and designers depicted women in highly idealized, feminine and seductive forms. Slender, attractive - and often naked - women with flowing hair featured heavily in Art Nouveau jewelry, paintings and printed works.

Weighs 4.3 grams.

28.7mm x 21mm approx