Antique Jeweled Cross, c. 1940
Mexico City, Mexico
sterling silver, ironwood, inlays of amethyst, turquoise, and coral
5.25" high x 2.25" diameter
The Mexico City style of silversmithing was established by renowned silversmith Matilde Eugenia Poulat. She was from Mexico City, where she studied art and in her early years, was both a painter and a painting teacher. In the early ’30s Matilde turned her full attention to the design and crafting of fine silver jewelry, establishing her taller MATL in 1934.
Poulat’s designs emphasized both religion and pre-European folk art. In the 1940’s she became internationally renowned for her work, which accentuated more ancient styles and used a spectacular array of intensely colored stones, most often amethyst, turquoise, and coral. The delicate and detailed use of coral and turquoise stones required both talent and time to complete the considerable chasing work.
Upon the success of the MATL taller, other silversmiths began creating works in the style of Poulat. As well, many of the silversmiths that worked under Poulat went on to establish their own tallers, creating religious relics and jewelry.
