Brooch in the Form of a Six-Pointed Star

Description

Women used brooches like this to fasten their veils beneath the chin. Its rare form--a hexagram--suggests that it also functioned as a talisman or amulet to attract good luck and to ward off evil.

Provenance

Offered by Wolfgang Wilhelm, Frankfurt (on consignment from owner):; " Daniel Kieber, Vaduz (1989-Present); " Mr. M. Hoellersberger, Munich (1970-1989, by inheritance); " Dr. Herbert Hoellersberger, Vienna (1961-1970)

Brooch in the Form of a Six-Pointed Star

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late 700s-early 800s

Accession Number

2009.344

Medium

gold with repoussé and filigree decoration; copper backplate

Dimensions

Diameter: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.)

Classification

Metalwork

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund