Art Nouveau Silver Brooch, Two Bearded Faces in High Relief, Signed HJ, Prague, c.1900

This brooch has a lot going on, and it is not apologising for any of it. Two bearded male faces — one older, one younger — emerge from a swirling mass of acanthus leaves and rocaille ornament, all pressed in high relief into a shaped silver plaque with a scalloped cartouche border. The background is engine-turned with a fine crosshatch pattern that catches the light and throws the faces into sharp, dramatic contrast. It is, in short, exactly what Art Nouveau jewellery is supposed to look like.

The brooch is signed HJ on the reverse — a maker's mark registered in Prague around the turn of the century. The pin mechanism is original and fully functional. The silver has developed a beautiful dark patina in the recesses that emphasises every detail of the modelling, while the high points retain a warm, polished glow.

The iconography — two male faces, possibly representing youth and age, or perhaps two mythological figures — is open to interpretation, which is part of the charm. Whoever they are, they have been staring out from this brooch for 125 years with considerable authority.

• Silver, pressed and engine-turned, Art Nouveau, c.1900
• Two bearded male faces in high relief, acanthus and rocaille surround
• Scalloped cartouche border, crosshatch engine-turned background
• Signed HJ on reverse — Prague maker's mark
• Original pin mechanism, fully functional
• Beautiful dark patina in recesses, warm polish on high points
• 6 × 4 cm, 20 g
• Prague, Bohemia (Czech Republic), c.1900

WARNING: This brooch will immediately become the most interesting thing you own. The two gentlemen on the front have strong opinions about this and will not be argued with. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility for any subsequent brooch collection that may develop.