Louis WIESE antique brooch Dragon Eagle Snake 18k gold Original Box Unisex (7234)

Antique Victorian brooch. 18k gold. Made by Louis Wiese, Paris, France circa 1900. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 11.5 grams. 2.8cm long.

Description : Jules Wiese and then his son, Louis, were renowned for their wonderful, sculptural jewelry in the Revivalist style. Their work echoed the Gothic, Renaissance, Medieval and Ancient Greek periods. This brooch is in the form of a large, winged dragon with a snake and an eagle as part of the swirling gold background. Steeped in ancient mythology, the brooch is beautifully made - a wonderful piece of wearable sculpture. Very solid, very wearable and exciting and suitable for a man or a woman.

It is possible that this brooch was not often worn as it is in such good shape. Furthermore, it comes in its original, fitted box with leather outside, silk and velvet within.

The identical brooch to this one, but without the original box, was sold by Tadema gallery. Here is part of their description:
"Fabulous jewel of a fabulous beast. This gold Dragon or Wyvern was sculpted for the famous French jeweler Wièse. This Wyvern is closely related to the chimera of choice for the City of London's coat of arms and whose iconic presence can be seen 'guarding the city's boundaries'
The symbolism of this brooch is as a talismanic protector against evil represented by the attacking snake."

Marks and Metal: C of clasp with French eagle head for 18k gold and maker's mark lozenge with WIESE in it. The name Wiese is engraved on the back. The box is embossed in gold: WIESE 90 R de Richelieu.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.