Victorian Egyptian revival brooch
Victorian Egyptian revival brooch
7166
A late Victorian enamel Egyptian revival pharaoh portrait brooch, circa 1880.
The Victorian Egyptian Revival was a cultural and artistic movement in the 19th century that reflected Britain's fascination with ancient Egypt. Sparked by Napoleon's campaigns and archaeological discoveries like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian motifs spread across architecture, fashion, and decorative arts.
Obelisks, sphinxes, and lotus columns adorned cemeteries, museums, and public buildings, symbolising mystery, eternity, and imperial power. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 further intensified this fascination.
The style blended romantic exoticism with industrial innovation, representing both a tribute to ancient civilisation and a reflection of Victorian confidence in empire, progress, and historical exploration.
RELATED ITEMS
