Emmy van Leersum

Why this artist matters now

Emmy van Leersum was a Dutch jeweler and sculptor who pioneered kinetic and modular approaches to precious metalwork in the postwar period. Working primarily in silver and gold, she created wearable and sculptural pieces that challenged conventional notions of jewelry as static ornament, introducing movement, interchangeability of components, and geometric abstraction into her designs. Her practice bridged craft and fine art, establishing jewelry as a legitimate medium for formal experimentation during a period when the field was undergoing radical transformation in Northern Europe.

Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 28d ago