William Spratling (American, 1900-1967), Mexico, Taxco, ca. mid-20th century CE. A dazzling pair of lustrous silver and copper adornments: a necklace and a bracelet. First, the bracelet is comprised of dozens of square chain links, each adorned with 1 silver and 1 brass hemispherical embellishment, strung together in a gorgeous pattern. Alternatively, the bracelet displays a thick band consisting of many conjoined pairs of domed silver and brass beads. Each piece features a box clasp, allowing it to be worn, as well as a Spratling of Taxco hallmark and the mark "TS-24." Size of largest (necklace): 19.5" L x 0.375" W (49.5 cm x 1 cm); Quality of silver: 96%; Weight: necklace: 120.4 grams, bracelet: 78.5 grams

William Spratling made his initial visit to Mexico in 1926 and returned each summer for the next several years. Finally, in 1929, Spratling actually moved to Mexico to be an expatriate, becoming an active member of the vibrant artistic circles of Mexico. Spratling promoted the art of none other than Diego Rivera to New York galleries which led to Rivera's participation in the first exhibition of Mexican visual culture held in the United States, funded by the Carnegie Institute, that opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Not only did Spratling assist in curating the exhibition, but he also lent a number of his own pieces. During this same time period, Spratling was working on drawings for the expanding Morrow (US Ambassador to Mexico Dwight Morrow and his wife, the poet Elizabeth Cutter Morrow) home in Cuernavaca. Many of these drawings were included in the book written by Elizabeth Morrow entitled, "Casa Manana" (Knopf, 1930). It was Ambassador Morrow who suggested that Spratling explore developing the silver industry in Taxco.

Penny Chittim Morrill, Ph.D., who co-authored "Mexican Silver: 20th Century Hand-wrought Jewelry & Silver" with art dealer Carole Berk is the primary authority on Spratling's work. Morrill was the guest curator for the 2002 traveling exhibition entitled, "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance: Maestros de Plata," organized by the San Diego Museum of Art. In her catalogue essay, Morrill stated, "In establishing silver as an artistic medium, what Spratling achieved was a delicate balance, a synthesis of abstract tendencies in the existent folk art tradition and in contemporary fine art, resulting in a visualization of concepts and ideas. As importantly, the Taller de las Delicias, became the paradigm for other silver designers to follow. Las Delicias was a community in which imagination and innovation were fostered and encouraged as the men learned the art of silversmithing while producing for profit. In the hierarchy of the workshop, these silversmiths advanced according to their ability, enthusiasm, and technical expertise."

Provenance: ex-private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired prior to 1990

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#162225

Both have Spratling of Taxco hallmarks and the mark "T-24." Both are wearable, intact, and excellent with lovely patina in areas.