Large Antique Gold Locket Pendant, Circa 1875

The proclamation of the German Empire on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles was celebrated by large segments of the population as the historic culmination of the German unification movement. The victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) sparked a wave of national enthusiasm, particularly among the middle class, which is often referred to as “euphoria over the founding of the Empire.” Patriotic symbols such as oak leaves, depictions of Germania, images of the emperor, and monuments now became widespread in art, jewellery, and everyday culture. This piece of jewellery may have been created in this context. It is a locket pendant made of warm, shimmering gold, the front of which is adorned with an applied wreath of finely crafted oak leaves. Hardly any other type of jewellery was as ubiquitous in the second half of the 19th century as the locket. The fascination with these pieces of jewellery can be explained primarily by technical innovations in photography. For the first time, portraits became affordable for many people in the late 19th century. The development of the paper negative process, which replaced the earlier glass plates, made it possible to crop, reproduce, or reduce the size of photographs. This allowed people to carry the image of a loved one with them, close to their hearts. This gave rise to a new type of jewellery: the photo medallion. Our locket combines the longing to preserve the fleeting with the oak, which symbolizes stability and permanence. With its large loop, this well-preserved piece can also be worn on a sturdier chain or silk cord.

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