Necklace

1925–35

Not on view

The work of Marie Zimmermann was admired and celebrated in her lifetime, and it continues to attract attention today. Born in Brooklyn in 1879 to an upper middle–class Swiss family, Zimmermann studied at the Art Students League and refined her skills at the Pratt Institute. Although trained in painting and sculpting, she was primarily a metalworker, who liked to say that she made "everything from tiaras to tombstones." She was deeply inspired by the art of the past, often visiting the Metropolitan Museum where she frequented the Greek, Egyptian, and Far Eastern galleries. The present necklace displays Zimmermann’s refined sense of color and design as well as her rich historical vocabulary. The monochromatic creamy white seed pearls are punctuated by brightly-colored gemstones and enameled decoration in red, blue and green—an Egyptian revival palette the artist especially favored. With its mix of Egyptian, Asian, and Indian motifs, it exudes a sense of exoticism, glamour, and sophistication. It is by any measure one of Zimmermann’s most glorious and important jewels.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Necklace
Maker: Marie Zimmermann (American, Brooklyn, New York 1879–1972 Punta Gorda, Florida)
Date: 1925–35
Culture: American
Medium: Pearls, emerald, colored stones (corundum), and gold
Dimensions: Length: 27 3/4 in. (70.5 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler, 2020
Object Number: 2021.14.24
Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

By Marie Zimmermann

From the same time and place

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Bowl, Marie Zimmermann American, Silver — Bowl
Marie Zimmermann
before 1928

Candelabrum, Marie Zimmermann American, Gold plated brass — Candelabrum
Marie Zimmermann
ca. 1915

Covered dish, Marie Zimmermann American, Gilded copper, silver, and ivory, American — Covered dish
Marie Zimmermann
ca. 1930

Covered dish, Marie Zimmermann American, Gilt silver, ivory, jade, and cinnabar, American — Covered dish
Marie Zimmermann
ca. 1930

Box with Cover, Marie Zimmermann American, Silver, turquoise, and freshwater pearls, American — Box with Cover
Marie Zimmermann
1920s–30s

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