Jose de Rivera (American, 1904-1985). Brooch, 1947. Stainless steel, other metal, suede, Brooch: 3 13/16 x 4 3/8 x 3/8 in. (9.7 x 11.1 x 1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, by exchange, 2008.73a-b. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2008.73a-b_PS9.jpg)
Jose de Rivera (American, 1904-1985). Brooch, 1947. Stainless steel, other metal, suede, Brooch: 3 13/16 x 4 3/8 x 3/8 in. (9.7 x 11.1 x 1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, by exchange, 2008.73a-b. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2008.73a-b_mark_PS9.jpg)
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
Born Joseph Ruiz, in Louisiana, José de Rivera was an important abstract sculptor of the mid-twentieth century. His career culminated with the commission for a large-scale outdoor sculpture for the Mall in Washington, D.C. As with Alexander Calder, the most famous Aamerican abstract sculptor of the last century, de Rivera seems to have made jewelry for most of career but never actively retailed it. This abstract, biomorphic brooch is made of stainless steel, his preferred material for his sculpture but a relatively unusual choice for American jewelry in the mid-twentieth century. The historical importance of the brooch is heightened by rare documentation. In 1947, de Rivera made two brooches for his sister-in-law Elva Ruiz, who was married to his half brother Gordon, and his niece Muriel. Iin a letter to Elva, de Rivera terms the pieces "sculpture brooches" and adds that "I hope that you will like the shapes and wear them—also that they will give you some pleasure."
MAKER Jose de Rivera, American, 1904-1985
MEDIUM Stainless steel, other metal, suede
Place Made: New York, United States
DIMENSIONS Brooch: 3 13/16 x 4 3/8 x 3/8 in. (9.7 x 11.1 x 1 cm) Pouch: 1/16 x 3 x 4 15/16 in. (0.2 x 7.6 x 12.5 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS impressed on middle of back: "DE RIVERA" pouch impressed on center of flap: "DE RIVERA"
COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts
ACCESSION NUMBER 2008.73a-b
CREDIT LINE Gift of Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, by exchange
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION An abstract biomorphic design comprised of opposing wishbone-shaped curves with rounded edges and curved downward away from the center of the brooch; the upper surface is highly polished, the reverse has a hammered finish and a long, standard hinged pin with a C-clasp. The envelop pouch is formed from a single piece of suede with seamed sides and an open flap.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
CAPTION Jose de Rivera (American, 1904-1985). Brooch, 1947. Stainless steel, other metal, suede, Brooch: 3 13/16 x 4 3/8 x 3/8 in. (9.7 x 11.1 x 1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, by exchange, 2008.73a-b. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2008.73a-b_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 2008.73a-b_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013
RIGHTS STATEMENT © Estate of Jose de Rivera