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Image © National Museums Scotland
View full screenBrooch, gold, with enamelled thistle decoration and set with five freshwater pearls, part of a collection of objects relating to the Theosophist beliefs and practices of Marie Sinclair, Countess of Caithness (1830 - 1895), Scotland, 1860s - 1870s
X.2020.39.1
Scotland, Northern Europe
1860s - 1870s
Gold, Enamel, Freshwater pearl
Of high quality, made in gold with skilled engraving and enamelling. The enamelled thistle decoration around the ring of the brooch and five Scottish freshwater pearls atop the Countess coronet is in keeping with the naturalist symbolism that was highly fashionable in jewellery during the 1860s and 1870s. The St Andrew’s Cross adds a further layer of Scottish symbolism. The central cross crosslet fitchy is fairly common in heraldry and may also reflect the spiritual dimension embedded in the Countess’ gift to Aitken.
Previous owner: Sinclair, Marie, Countess of Caithness, 1830 - 1895
Aitken, Margaret 'Maggie', 1876 (fl.)
Mary, Queen of Scots, 1542 - 1587
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, Northern Europe
1319 results found
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