Comb in the form of two dragonflies, Lucien Gaillard, c. 1904
horn (animal material), h 11.2cm × w 15.4cm More details
Forms derived from nature were an important source of inspiration around 1900. Gaillard’s astonishing technical virtuosity is demonstrated in his jewels with lifelike insects. For instance, he made parts of the dragonflies’ wings in plique-à-jour, a vitreous enamelling technique, in which the enamel is not applied to a metal base, but rather set in a gossamer thin wire framework.
