Brooch featuring an Ancient Scarab in a Modern Winged Mount
Culturescarab is
Ancient Egyptian
Date(scarab) New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE; (gold mount) early 1900s
Mediumglazed steatite and gold (modern)
Dimensions2.6 × 3.6 × 1.5 cm (1 × 1 7/16 × 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1926.86
Label TextOne of the most popular motifs among revivalist jewelers was the scarab. These small beetles were powerful amulets in their day and represented the power and mystery of ancient Egypt to 19th- and 20th-century travelers to the Middle East. Many acquired these objects during their journeys and had them set in decorative mounts at home. In this case, the goldsmith has added a pair of wings, a reference perhaps to one of the jeweled necklaces of King Tutankhamun (1334–1325 BCE).ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926.On View
Not on viewCollections
Ancient Egyptian
(plaquette) New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE; (gold mount) late 1800s–early 1900s
Ancient Egyptian
scarab: New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE; gold mount: modern
