Jewelers

Philippe Wolfers – Art Nouveau Jewelry

Dragonfly pendant brooch, Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, 1898
Dragonfly pendant brooch, Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, 1898

The Philippe Wolfers jewelry firm (Wolfers Brothers) was founded in Brussels in 1834 by the Belgian jeweler Louis Wolfers. His son Philippe Wolfers, born in 1858, attended drawing and sculpture classes at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels while studying the family’s goldsmithing. He was also a student of the enameller L. Wuillon in Paris. Philippe joined the family business in 1875 as a gold and silver jewellery, and after his father’s death in 1892 became artistic director of the silver firm. At the beginning of his career, he created products in the Rococo style, but by 1994 he began to adhere to the Art Nouveau aesthetics.

Golden buckle in the form of a peacock feather, Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, 1898
Golden buckle in the form of a peacock feather, Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, 1898

Jewelry by Philippe Wolfers created between 1897 and 1905 is stamped “ex [emplaire] unique” to distinguish it from other Wolfers products. In total, he created about 100 unique works in the most elegant Art Nouveau style, inspired by nature and Japanese art. In 1908, Philippe moved away from jewelry design to become a sculptor.

Brooch Nika, Brussels, 1902
Brooch Nika, Brussels, 1902
Gold bracelet Wisteria, decorated with stained glass enamel, tourmaline, opal, garnets and rubies, 1900
Gold bracelet Wisteria, decorated with stained glass enamel, tourmaline, opal, garnets and rubies, 1900
Orchid hair ornament, Brussels, 1902-1907 From the collection of the V&A Museum, London.
Orchid hair ornament, Brussels, 1902-1907 From the collection of the V&A Museum, London.
This elegant gold pendant is a masterpiece of art nouveau jewelry, Brussels, before 1901.
This elegant gold pendant is a masterpiece of art nouveau jewelry, Brussels, before 1901.
Art Nouveau pendant brooch by Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, circa 1900
Art Nouveau pendant brooch by Philippe Wolfers, Brussels, circa 1900
Swan pendant necklace, Brussels. There are seven recorded examples of the Le Cygne (Swan) pendant, designed by Philippe Wolfers in the early 1900s.
Swan pendant necklace, Brussels. There are seven recorded examples of the Le Cygne (Swan) pendant, in the early 1900s.
Swan and Serpent Pendant Necklace, 1899. From the King Bowen Collection.
Swan and Serpent Pendant Necklace, 1899. From the King Bowen Collection.
Insect brooch, circa 1900
Insect brooch, circa 1900
Gold pendant in the form of a sphinx, circa 1900
Gold pendant in the form of a sphinx, circa 1900