New Volume Explores Jewelry’s Role in Formation of Identity, Politics, and Power

Jewelry is the oldest of the decorative arts, and much can be gained from the study of its relationship with humans.

It is a fascinating and sometimes glamorous subject, and much has been written on its creation, artistry, and historical significance. In addition to its longevity in the story of human history, it is also fairly ubiquitous. Artistic renderings of the human figure—in portraiture, sculpture, and other media—in a range of allegorical, historical, and religious images often showcase jewelry. The ornaments depicted in such designs offer an abundance of information that not only heightens our understanding of the subject but also provides insights into the imagination of the artist. Jewelry enhances our enjoyment of works of art because it is visually compelling, sensuous, and laden with an array of associations and symbolic meanings.

Beyond Adornment: Jewelry and Identity in Art focuses on jewelry’s multifaceted functions, such as its ability to convey the wealth, power, and influence of the wearer, while also examining jewelry’s role as a cultural messenger. Bringing together spectacular and significant art objects depicting figures wearing sumptuous personal adornments that define who they are within the specific milieus in which they lived, this richly illustrated and accessible volume represents a novel, interdisciplinary approach to the ways in which jewelry can be studied and understood.