Pendant Necklace
c. 1600 and others 18th century
Medium
Enameled gold, diamonds, rubies, and pearl
Dimensions
27 × 15 × 1.3 cm (10 5/8 × 5 7/8 × 1/2 in.)
Classification
pendant (jewelry)
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
119579
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Pendant Necklace, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe, exemplifies the opulence of European jewelry from the late Renaissance to the Rococo era. Dating to around 1600 with additional 18th-century elements, it reflects the composite nature of high-status adornments, often remodeled across generations to incorporate evolving fashions and family heirlooms. Measuring 27 × 15 × 1.3 cm, its substantial size suggests it was designed as a bold statement piece, likely worn by nobility during courtly events or portraits. Crafted from enameled gol...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...