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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bronwen, post: 998190, member: 5833&quot;]It is unquestionably Judith, right after beheading Holofernes, about to pop his head into the sack her maid is holding open.&nbsp; It is a particularly graphic version.&nbsp; There will be a painting behind it; offhand, I do not recognize it.&nbsp; This is where [USER=8184]@Jivvy[/USER] is so good.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is helmet shell.&nbsp; Cutter used a very thin section, which I think is part of why the relief is low.&nbsp; You are correct that there is not much chance of a brooch becoming worn down to such a degree.&nbsp; I would put it to mid-Victorian.&nbsp; Not surprised to learn it is good quality gold.&nbsp; Have seen over time that when the C catch is that sturdy, whole mount is likely to be good.</p><p><br /></p><p>This one is in a massive silver cuff bracelet.&nbsp; It is easier to understand how it would see some wear.&nbsp; Someone must have loved it; even detailing on the silver is worn down.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]206375[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>This is a brooch, another great big thing.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]206376[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>Having given her a dagger instead of a sword &amp; setting her in the clouds, it is not clear whether the cutter meant Judith or Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy.&nbsp; Is that a mask or a head?&nbsp; The clouds of Heaven or Parnassus?</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5opfKQQcIy7jpHqE2JF41wlSuqVSfxEDYncNdlDpAj3x-UeMd" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>It&#039;s possible that this is - a more allusive - Judith.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]206379[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;m rather fond of these grisly ones.&nbsp; What message would you be sending with that proudly displayed on your bosom?![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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