Museum Lecture: Beyond the Brooch, the History of Entomological Jewelry

About This Event

Saturday, April 11 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. The Linda L. Carlson Classroom, Rm 157 Avenir Museum, 216 E. Lake Street  Fort Collins, CO  From the sunbaked tombs of Ancient Egypt to the avant-garde runways of Paris, insects have served as one of humanity’s most enduring – and surprising – fashion icons. Why have we spent three millennia pinning “creepers” to our lapels? Join us for “Beyond the Brooch,” a deep dive into the glittering history of entomological adornment. We will trace the evolution of the insect motif, beginning with the Sacred Scarab as a symbol of eternal rebirth. Discover the eccentricities of the Victorian era, where “living jewelry” blurred the line between specimen and accessory, and marvel at the ethereal Art Nouveau masterpieces of René Lalique, who transformed dragonflies into icons of feminine mystery. This talk explores how the iridescent biology of beetles and butterflies has provided a natural geometry that human jewelers sought to mimic for centuries. Whether you are a lover of history, a jewelry enthusiast, or a curious naturalist, come discover how the smallest creatures on Earth became our most precious treasures.