Larkspur & Hawk Antique Lady Britannia Pin Ca 1775

This pin centers on a painted ivory watercolor of Lady Britannia seated on a bank before a war schooner. Lady Britannia is the personification of Britain, a goddess-like warrior with a helmet, spear, and shield.

Britain was entangled in countless wars and battles in the 18th century, including the Revolutionary War. Here, her shield is framed by small seed pearls and boldly inscribed with the word “Peace.” It is a very Georgian, romanticized war scene, further embellished with foiled white, paste stones around its oval perimeter.

Emily adores the scale and message of this pin, and the way it adapts to modern clothing. With its still relevant message of peace, it would be equally wonderful on a lapel or housed in a shadowbox.

England, ca 1775