Classical Revival Brooch

Classical Revival Snake Brooch

Designed by Michaengelo Caetani

Castellani and Sons, Rome

22-carat Gold

The legend, "Latet angulus in herba," which literally translates as "Danger hides in the grass," has the sense, as Stephanie Walker has pointed out, of "Danger lurks everywhere" -- here possibly a reference to Papal spies and the dangers of those seeking Italian liberty and reunification.

Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Rome