51. SCHIAPARELLI, Haute Couture collection, Autumn 1938. Rare articulated necklace. Pagan Collection In gilded and partially enamelled metal depicting branches and leaves, with two sleeping insects on two leaves. (missing). Unsigned. "Schiaparelli's autumn 1938 collection was rife with references to flora and fauna, inspired by Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's lush depictions of spring, notably in "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera", as Dilys Blum explains in her book "Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli" by Dilys Blum. Referred to as the "pagan" collection, motifs such as insects, leaves and flowers were abundant in embroidery, buttons and jewellery, such as this magnificent one-of-a-kind necklace. Artistically rendered in enamelled gold metal, the back is as fascinating and realistic as the front, a sign of quality workmanship. The presence of the two insects is a subtle and masterful touch by Schiaparelli that is only noticed at second glance, giving a surreal tone to this otherwise brilliant and naturalistic ornamental piece." MET Museum notice. This necklace can be compared with two necklaces from the same collection held at the MET Museum in New York under references 2009.300.1237 and 2009.300.1236, the former collection of Mrs Milicent Rogers. SCHIAPARRELLI, Haute Couture collection, Autumn 1938. Rare articulated necklace. Pagan Collection. In gilded and partially enameled metal depicting branches and leaves, on two leaves two sleeping insects. (missing) Unsigned.