With its opal wings and eyes, gold body dotted with diamonds and an emerald on its back, this dragonfly exquisitely illustrates the delicacy of Art Nouveau (l.7 cm/2.8 in., weight 20.6 g/0.72 oz).
This highly realistic, delightfully appealing tremble brooch was crafted around 1900 by Gaston Laffitte. According to Henri Vever, he was as fine a designer and engraver as a jeweler and medal maker. Active from 1896 to 1932, he was endlessly inspired by nature, as witnessed by his brooch pendants in the form of butterfly women and his poppy belt buckles. A symbol of renewal, this dragonfly, estimated at €6,000/€8,000, will fly off to another lapel on Thursday 15th with Aguttes Auction House (Ms. Dupré la Tour) in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
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