B-0694 , Reverse Intaglio Brooch

A beautiful and impressive reverse intaglio brooch.

A reverse intaglio crystal brooch and pendant, the domed crystal painted depicting two ducks., set within a border of 14 ct. yellow gold. Early 20^th century. Dimensions 4 x 3 cm. 

Reverse Intaglio is a rock crystal cabochon. A motif is carved into the flat back of the crystal. The motif is realistically painted in minute detail and is surrounded by a transparent ground. The deeper the carving, the more explicit the three-dimensional effect is when viewed through the top. This technique became popular in the mid 19^th century, especially in England. 

The name Essex Crystal is quite often wrongly used as a synonym for Reverse Intaglio. W. Essex was a well-known miniaturist in the 19^th century.