Renaissance-revival gold and enamel gem-set brooch, Carlo Giuliano, circa 1890

Decorated with the figure of Venus enameled en ronde bosse, holding up a diamond-set mirror and an enameled drape, seated under a canopy set with cushion-shaped rubies and rose-cut diamonds, a tiger couchant and a spray of pink roses at her feet, flanked by a pair of white doves holding pearl garlands connected to a pair of male mask heads supporting pearl fringes, an additional pearl fringe at the base, signed C.G.

Christie's London, November 28, 2001, lot 102.

This jewel is closely related to designs made by Camillo Bertuzzi for Carlo Giuliano. For examples of Bertuzzi's work and his relationship with Carlo Giuliano, see Lia Lenti, Camillo Bertuzzi Designer di Gioielli 1819-1894, Florence 1998.