Brooch, 2023

Copper mesh stitched with iron thread, enamel, silver

3 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ x 3/4″

This brooch is from Esther Knobel’s recent body of work, which explores enameling on copper mesh. Knobel visually transforms this rigid material into something fluid and fabric-like, with the allure of softness. The surface of this brooch is decorated with small yellow flowers, giving it an air of sweetness often associated with enamel jewelry. Yet the crumpled texture belies its joy: are we witnessing an ending? Something discarded and left behind?

Congratulations to Esther Knobel on this recent acquisition to the RISD museum.