The Castellani family is among the most celebrated of 19th-century jewelers. Known for participating in excavations outside Rome, the father and sons were deeply skilled in creating jewelry inspired by ancient Etruscan goldsmiths and incorporating historical iconography. The imagery for this brooch was likely borrowed from one of two floor mosaics with lions discovered in Pompeii.

This brooch was a gift from Susan B. Kaplan, who over the past 15 years has championed jewelry at MFA Boston. In particular, her deep interest in, and knowledge of, 19th-century jewelry has led to great depth in this area of the collection.

Gold and glass (micromosaic).

Gift of Susan Beth Kaplan.

2021.756