Due to the sleep-inducing properties of certain types of poppies, the poppy has been the symbol of everlasting sleep since ancient times. After the Second Battle of Ypres, the flower with her blood red leaves and black heart became a symbol for the fallen soldiers.
Emanuel Schwartz made this gold brooch in Vienna, around 1900-1910.
This poppy brooch is made using a specific technique, a so-called ‘reverse intaglio’. A reverse crystal intaglio is a cabochon cut natural crystal with an intaglio carved into the flat underside. This image is painted and mounted on an opaque background (usually mother of pearl). Finally, the back is sealed with gold, to preserve the depicted subject. When viewed through the front, the image appears three-dimensional, like a poppy flower in a miniature display. The technique originates in Belgium c. 1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. It gained popularity both in England and Austria. More information about this technique can be found at Lang.
November 11th is Remembrance Day, also called Poppy Day. In the countries of the Commonwealth, it is the day to commemorate the end of World War I and all wars and armed conflicts since.
Link about wearing the poppy symbol.
Link to an article in the Mirror (©third picture) about the project in the Tower of London. ‘Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red’.