$42,300
Archaeological Revival 18kt Gold and Coral Demi-parure, the fringe necklace composed of twenty-five coral cameos of bacchante maidens suspended from tubular links interspersed with disc shaped gold beads, bead and wirework accents, completed by an "S" clasp mounted with a cameo, earpendants ensuite, made by Melillo, original fitted box. N.B. At the age of seventeen, Giacinto Melillo (1845-1915) was appointed by Allessandro Castellani to manage the Castellani work shop in Naples at 54/55 Piazza dei Martiri. This was testament to the early development of Melillo's talent, given that he had completed only half of his apprenticeship at the time. Melillo took over the workshop as his own in 1870, continuing to produce jewelry in the "Archaeological Style" as inspired by the Castellanis. In 1900, he won the Grand Prix and Legion D'honneur for work shown at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900. Recognized as a master of granulation and other ancient techniques, Melillo was said to have produced much of the jewelry Allessandro Castellani displayed, bearing his own hallmark, in the 1878 Paris exposition. For examples of Melillo's work, see "Castellani and Giuliano: Revivalist Jewellers of the Nineteenth Century" by Geoffrey C. Munn, figures 106 and 124. A brooch of the latter design was offered in these rooms June 11, 1996, but Melillo's work is rarely presented at auction. Provenance: This demi-parure descended in one family since its purchase.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2003-06-17
