Bulgari presents ’Serpentiform: Snake Through Art, Jewellery and Design’
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Bulgari’s Serpenti first slithered onto the scene in the late 1940s, its coiling bracelet watches distinctively setting the Roman maison apart from the dominant Parisian fashions of the time. Vice chairman Nicola Bulgari has called the motif a ‘constant source of creative nourishment’, while collectors too seem ever-seduced: cue the two bejewelled 1960s designs that sold at Christie’s Geneva last November for over CHF700,000, nearly twice their estimates.
The snake is now the subject of an exhibition being staged by Bulgari in the splendid, neoclassical surrounds of the Museum of Rome (opens in new tab), Palazzo Braschi. Dramatic staircases and 18th century plasterwork form a fitting backdrop for Serpentiform: Snake Through Art, Jewellery and Design that spans ancient to modern and celebrates the time-honoured theme through a host of artistic mediums.
Millennia-old gems on loan from the Archaeological Museum of Naples include gold Pompeii bracelets that are simplistic yet powerfully talismanic. But it's the contemporary works – art, sculpture, photography, even interiors pieces – that offer the most eclectic mix, and highlight what curator Lucia Bosaini calls ‘a creative and multifaceted journey into the imagination’ with a ‘playful take’.
Here one finds Niki de Saint Phalle’s joyous Pouf Serpent Jaune, the vibrant sculpture-cum-design objet originally a riff off tarot cards and Saint Phalle’s fascination with ancient mythology and symbols of femininity. Joana Vasconcelos is too drawn to womanhood and identity, as seen in her subdued, crochet-covered ceramic Estefania 2014. Alexander Calder’s Mois Mondial du Coeur lithograph, with its almost naïve-art expression of love, is a dynamic echo for the jeweller – while Keith Haring’s fun and frivolous USA 19-82 and Fortunato Depero’s coolly graphic Quattro further lighten up the mood. Home décor pieces glide in too, such as the aptly sea-green Fornasetti rug. A book encapsulating the ophidian interpretations of 32 famed artists, from the 19th century to today, complements the show.
There is also vintage fashion to savour, including Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra regalia and costumes worn in Puccini and Verdi operas. But the real showstoppers are the archival Bulgari Serpenti creations from the last 50 years – among them a daring 1972 gold Tubogas bracelet-watch and an elegant emerald and diamond design. The latter is from 1969 but looks as timeless and chic as ever.
Serpentiform: Snake Through Art, Jewellery and Design spans ancient to modern and celebrates the time-honoured theme through a host of artistic mediums. Pictured: Pantelmina #3, by Joana Vasconcelos, 2004.
Bulgari’s Serpenti first slithered onto the scene in the late 1940s, its coiling bracelet watches distinctively setting the Roman maison apart from the dominant Parisian fashions of the time. Pictured right: Amiamo il Serpente by Fornasetti. Pictured left: 1968 Bulgari Serpenti bracelet in gold with jade, rubies and diamonds.
Joana Vasconcelos is too drawn to womanhood and identity, as seen in her subdued, crochet-covered ceramic Estefania, 2014 (pictured).
Millennia-old gems on loan from the Archaeological Museum of Naples include gold Pompeii bracelets that are simplistic yet powerfully talismanic
But it’s the contemporary works – art, sculpture, photography, even interiors pieces – that offer the most eclectic mix. Pictured: the daring 1972 gold Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas bracelet watch in gold and burnished steel
Collectors seem to be charmed by the snake theme, as seen in the two bejewelled 1960s designs that sold at Christie’s Geneva last November for over CHF700,000, nearly twice their estimates.
The real showstoppers are the archival Bulgari Serpenti creations from the last 50 years
Curator Lucia Bosaini calls the exhibition ‘a creative and multifaceted journey into the imagination’ with a ‘playful take’. Pictured: USA 19-82
INFORMATION
Serpentiform: Snake Through Art, Jewellery and Design runs from 10 March until 10 April, 2016. For more information, visit the website (opens in new tab)
ADDRESS
Museum of Rome
Piazza di S. Pantaleo, 10, Roma, Italy
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
-
Giorgetti Spiga – The Place opens in Milan’s fashion quarter
The new Giorgetti Spiga – The Place transforms a 17th-century palazzo in Milan, showcasing the furniture company's full offering over four floors
By Maria Cristina Didero • Published
-
This futuristic ski house is born of its sloped locale
A ski house with a contemporary twist, this is House at 9,000ft by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple in the Intermountain Region of Western USA
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
‘Crown to Couture’: Kensington Palace unveils its largest ever exhibition
‘Crown to Couture’ at Kensington Palace, London, promises a dazzling delve into royal-court and red-carpet jewellery and dressing (5 April – 29 October 2023). Its curators tell us more
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a moment
We've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edge
As the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collect
Today’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Eternity rings for the modern couple
Eternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
CryptoPunks come to life on Tiffany & Co pendants
Tiffany & Co has partnered with blockchain infrastructure company Chain to create custom pendants and NFTiffs
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Andreas Kronthaler’s costume jewellery for Vivienne Westwood is fun, flirty and fabulous
Andreas Kronthaler’s new jewellery draws on romantic and theatrical motifs
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal pieces
A host of jewellers have given us a peek at the jewellery which has brought them solace this year
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Fope’s flexible gold chains rethink a classic design
Elasticity meets elegance in Fope’s new jewellery collection, ‘Luna’
By Hannah Silver • Last updated