AFRO Basaldella (1912-1976)

Abstract Landscape Brooch, c. 1950

Unique brooch made in 18ct yellow gold embossed with a textured surface decorated with a raised lattice design set with 16 square cut rubies and further decorated with an applied crescent moon set with three brilliant cut diamonds and three stylised palm trees, the first set with two circular cut emeralds and the other two with a ruby and sapphire; the lower part with four protrusions set with four brilliant and one old cut diamonds. The whole brooch with a lattice backplate with hinged double clip fitting. Designed by Afro Basaldella and made in the gold workshop of Mario Masenza, Rome

Marks: Inscribed on the reverse, Afro, MASENZA.ROMA

Dimensions: H. 4.6 cm; W. 4.7 cm

Literature: Martine Newby Haspeslagh, Jewels of the Italian Modern Masters, Didier Ltd, London 2015, p. 10, no. 4