{"product_id":"unlisted-antique-18k-hand-painted-enamel-brooch","title":"Antique French 18K Hand Painted Enamel Brooch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand painted miniature portraits were the predecessors of photographs. When there was no other way to record a likeness of someone, the miniatures were treasured and passed down in families. Some portrait miniatures were painted of a specific person, and others were of classic style beauties rather than a particular real person. Often, these pieces were made into jewelry and worn as decoration, such as our wonderful brooch. Most likely produced by the famous Limoges company, it has no markings. Earlier pieces not meant for import were unmarked. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith a bright cobalt blue background and a beautifully executed portrait with realistic skin tone and details, it depicts Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom in profile, wearing a Corinthian helmet.  The helmet is decorated with a curious figure, which we believe to be Echidna, a half-woman, half-serpent creature of Mythology. Known as the Mother of Monsters, she symbolized Earth's corruption in the form of a horrible, irresistible monster, embodying the terrifying and the unknown.  More commonly, her sister Medusa is pictured on Athena's helmet as a form of protection. We can only surmise that this was the intention here as well, and it is a very rare depiction indeed! The setting of the brooch is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, with Archeological Revival details. A grand trinket to flaunt your knowledge of the Ancients, and a must-have for any serious antique jewelry collector!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails (approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 4cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 17.28 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterials: Gold, Hand Painted Enamel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMetal: 18K yellow gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarks: None\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"\"Echidna's Protection\"","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41771916787806,"sku":"MM 06-09-25","price":3350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0012\/5465\/4046\/files\/IMG_7768.jpg?v=1749492612","url":"https:\/\/thekovencourt.com\/products\/unlisted-antique-18k-hand-painted-enamel-brooch","provider":"The Koven Court","version":"1.0","type":"link"}