Straddling the transition from the ornate Victorian to the sinuous Art Nouveau, this Belgian brooch, likely crafted by the hand of Léopold Van Strydonck, is a golden homage to a mythical era. Bearing the griffin, symbolising strength and protection, it reflects the duality of eagle and lion, bridging celestial and earthly powers. The 18K yellow gold piece, resonating with the allegorical and heraldic significance of its motif, harks back to around 1900, a time when art sought to make itself mani ...