William (Bill) Ronald Reid (Canadian, 1920-1998)
Frog Brooch
18K gold frog with joints, catches and pin in 14K gold, inscribed "R-02/50"
Provenance:
Acquired directly from the artist, 1971
Private collection, B.C.
Size in inches: 1.25 h x 1.5 w
R20407
Executed in 1971 using the repousse technique, edition 2/50. Reproduced in a limited edition of 100 (2 batches of 50 each) in both repousse and glossy/untextured, cast from the original 22K gold frog pin in the collection of the UBC Museum of Anthropology: "Frog brooch. A small cast brooch in the shape of a frog with all four legs extended (the left, rear leg extends further than the right). The pin features two large eyes, a wide mouth, and a bony framework outlined on the back. The surface is lightly stippled. The long pin on the reverse of the brooch extends diagonally from the left, front leg to the right, hind leg."
Bill Reid strove to express his ancestral Haida mythological forms in a contemporary form. His work played a pivotal role in the rebirth of Haida art, re-introducing techniques and principles previously lost to Haida artists. Using his training at Ryerson University he was able to introduce traditional jewellery techniques such as repousse and lost-wax, and metalwork became his preferred medium which also brought the most acclaim.