Hubert Harmon Mexican silver and amethyst "angel" Brooch

Usually referred to as irreverent and whimsical Hubert Harmon was a native of Illinois yet studied at the Parson's School of Design in Paris. In the 1940s, he and his wife Louise settled for a few years in Mexico where Hubert opened a workshop in Taxco and created some of the most interesting designs in the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry. A lover of parties, poodles and all creatures winged and mythical, he seems to have found inspiration in the country's folk art as well. The so-called "angel" brooch presented here is, according to Penny Morrill, based on a wrought iron escutcheon that adorned the doors of the "Casa del Corazon" in Taxco. Bare-breasted and single-winged, the almost surrealist female figure is wrought en repoussage, her featureless face carved out of amethyst, her upturned feet bare as well, facing the viewer. Beguilingly tactile, the brooch has a strong, tantalizing presence, its lithe, angelic body catching one's gaze and holding it captive for ever...

Size / Weight: 2 3/4" square; 37.4 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's name as shown as well as "STERLING" and "MADE IN MEXICO"; 1944-48

Condition: very good vintage with excellent workmanship, fluid design and glowing patina; the amethyst cab is deeply saturated, dark and enigmatic, securely set in its bezel with no problems except for a small, superficial scratch that is not, however, readily visible to the naked eye; I believe the closure is a replacement and would like to also mention that the pin part of it is fixed to the back of the brooch (it doesn't swivel); the clasp still works fine, however, and will keep the brooch securely in place

Inv# 15323