2024-04-25
The cover of the Collector's Jewellery Auction catalogue features a beautiful brooch in the form of a panther. This animal appeared on various monuments and works of art as far back as antiquity. You will find out how this swift wild cat has been perceived throughout history in this article.
In Greek mythology, the panther symbolized the god Dionysus, who was depicted wearing a leopard skin and using leopards as a means of transport. In many medieval bestiaries, this wild cat symbolized Christ. Why? The explanation is rather surprising. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday (Good Friday) and resurrected the following Sunday (Easter). Three days elapsed between Jesus' death and resurrection, which is the same amount of time that people at the time believed a leopard was sleeping. Interestingly, the leopard was also often used in heraldry, on a shield, in a crest jewel or as a heraldic keeper.
In the modern era several well-known examples are worth mentioning. The wild cat is the hallmark of Cartier adverts, and it also features many jewellery designs. In Poland, fans of Józef Wilkoń's work will notice the panther in his works. The "Pink Panther" film series made this animal a permanent fixture in popular culture. The axis of the story revolves around the starry-eyed Inspector Clouseau, who is commissioned to guard the extremely valuable diamond, the "Pink Panther".
The gold brooch in the form of a panther is an exceptional piece of jewellery. Any collector will be impressed by the rich decoration of the item: as many as 42 pieces of diamonds and 36 pieces of sapphires on an object measuring just 1.5 x 4 cm. The brooch will be available for bidding from 8 to 12 December this year. The starting price for the piece is 7,300 złotys; the winner of the auction will receive a certificate of authenticity. You are welcome to bid!
