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Object Timeline

1995

  • We acquired this object.

2012

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Serpent Brooch With Pendants (probably England)

This is a Serpent brooch with pendants. It is dated ca. 1780 and we acquired it in 1995. Its medium is cast and raised gold, cut garnets, turquoise cabochons (eyes of serpent). It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The brooch, an ornamental pin, evolved from Roman clasps that provided a fashionable method of securing clothing. Composed primarily of gold and garnets, this ribbon-like brooch takes the form of a snake wrapped in three interwoven loops. Its head, featuring two turquoise eyes, holds the centermost of its large hanging pendants.

This object was donated by Charlotte Y. Salisbury. It is credited Gift of Charlotte Y. Salisbury in loving memory of her husband, Harrison E. Salisbury.

This object has not been digitized yet.
  • Brooch (Italy), ca. 1898
  • gold, sapphires, diamonds, rubies, emeralds.
  • Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Annie Schermerhorn Kane, and....
  • 1969-40-46

Its dimensions are

Overall: 4.6 x 5 x 1 cm (1 13/16 x 1 15/16 x 3/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Serpent Brooch With Pendants (probably England); cast and raised gold, cut garnets, turquoise cabochons (eyes of serpent); Overall: 4.6 x 5 x 1 cm (1 13/16 x 1 15/16 x 3/8 in.); Gift of Charlotte Y. Salisbury in loving memory of her husband, Harrison E. Salisbury; 1994-122-1

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18647691/ |title=Serpent Brooch With Pendants (probably England) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>