PAST IS PRESENT: REVIVAL JEWELRY
The new exhibition organised by th Museum of Fine Arts in Boston explores the long tradition of finding inspiration in the past, either by coping directly from previous styles or by reinterpreting ancient motifs.
“Past is Present: Revvial Jewelry” includes 80 pieces created by jewellers such as Castellani, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bulgari, withn ispirations ranging from antiquity to the present showing that narrative of the revival, i.e. the search for inspiration in styles of the past, does not end at the beginning of the 20th century as many seem to believe. In almost every piece on display, the design emphasises the tension between progress and the desire for connecting with the past in the traditional but often unexpected ways. Mostly belonging to the museum’s collection, the selection of pieces on show also includes 17 amazings loans by major collectors.
The revival became fashionable in the 19th century thanks to an increase in the possibilities of travelling, to the archaeological excavations that uncovered ancient treasures, to the creation of a whole series of new museums and of international exhibitions that showcased the ancient discoveries to the world. In this historic setting so deeply connected to the ancient past, jewellers were among the many creatives who found inspiration in the myriad of new visual resources and who incorporated them within their designs.
Even if 19th and the 20th century jewellery explored many ancient styles, the exhibition focuses mainly on four: the archeological, the Renaissance, the ancient Egypt and the classic themes.
Furthermore, some contemporary pieces show how the tradition of revival in jewellery still continues today with many designers who look behind their shoulders in ancient history to find inspiration.