At the end of 2015, an art historian from the LVR LandesMuseum Bonn with the wish to create a Gold disc brooch as well as the Quote a gemstone brooch and at the same time to describe the entire manufacturing process in detail document.
The documentation material thus obtained should be used to create a display case with a goldsmith's workstation and to present museum visitors with a film in the background about the manufacturing steps of a medieval garment clasp (disc fibula).
In addition, a comprehensive, 8-page scientific article on the creation of such a magnificent brooch was to be published in the museum magazine “Berichte aus dem LVR LandesMuseum Bonn”.
During the spring of 2016, employees of the LVR LandesMuseum Bonn were guests in my studio on several occasions whenever there was exciting progress in the production of the two gold brooches. Then a professional photographer took detailed pictures of the various processing steps and asked me for all the details in an interview.
This extremely exciting and shared time with the employees of the Bonn Museum and the professionalism of the approach to the scientifically sound creation of such a documentation will always remain in my memory as a very special highlight in my professional career to date.
For example, I was able to gain a very detailed insight into the preparation of a larger exhibition and get a taste of the wonderful and mysterious 😉 “museum air”.
I will always remember with great gratitude the intensive time of collaboration with the “museum professionals” and am very proud that I was able to contribute to such a publication.
Interesting facts about the gold disc brooch
The gold disc brooch is a remarkable piece of jewellery from early European history, which impresses not only with its artistic design, but also with its function and symbolism. This type of brooch, which was mainly used in the Merovingian period (5th to 8th century AD), originally served as a fastener for clothing, but quickly became a status symbol that expressed the social rank of its wearer. Its name derives from its round shape and its mostly golden surface, which was decorated using elaborate processing techniques.
A gold disc brooch consists of a base made of precious metal or bronze, which is covered with a very thin layer of gold. The surface is decorated with delicate ornaments such as engravings, punched decorations or enamel work, which are often complemented by the incorporation of precious stones or glass inlays. Geometric patterns, animal motifs or abstract ornaments, which played a central role in the art of the Merovingian period, were particularly popular. The design of a gold disc brooch was not purely decorative, however, but also had a symbolic meaning. Many of the patterns and symbols used were associated with protective functions or magical powers, which made the brooch a talisman.
The gold disc brooch was an indispensable accessory in the costume of the wealthy and influential classes. It was usually worn in pairs to hold the garments together at the shoulders and was often the most magnificent piece of jewelry in an ensemble. The elaborate design and the use of precious materials made the brooches a symbol of power and wealth. Magnificent examples were found in the graves of high-ranking women from the Merovingian period in particular, and were important not only as jewelry but also as grave goods.
The production of a gold disc brooch required highly specialized craftsmen trained in both metalworking and decoration techniques. Goldsmiths of the time worked with techniques such as granulation, in which tiny gold beads were soldered onto the surface of the brooch, or the niello technique, in which black enamel was inlaid into fine engravings to create contrast. These techniques testify to the high level of skill and technical knowledge of the artisans of the era.
Archaeological finds of gold disc brooches provide valuable insights into the art, culture and society of the Merovingian period. They allow conclusions to be drawn about trade relations, craftsmanship and social structure. Many of the brooches found show a remarkable stylistic diversity, reflecting regional differences and influences from different cultures. Gold disc brooches are often discovered in areas that were part of the Frankish Empire, which indicates their special importance in this region.
Today, gold disc brooches can be admired in many archaeological museums, where they are considered important artifacts of early medieval art history. They are not only evidence of mastery in craftsmanship, but also a cultural expression of an era in which jewelry was much more than just decoration. The gold disc brooch combines functionality, aesthetics and symbolic meaning and remains a fascinating object that tells the story of an entire era.