Pendant
1600-1700
Medium
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Classification
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.192
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pendant, dating from 1600-1700, exemplifies the intricate world of early jewelry as a form of personal devotion. Crafted by an unidentified artist, it features a motif depicting Christ and the Crucifixion, transforming a wearable adornment into a poignant religious symbol. Such pieces were common in the Baroque era, blending artistry with faith, and likely served as both a talisman for protection and a statement of piety for its wearer. As a prime example of decorative arts in jewelry, the pendant highlights the technical mastery of the period, where metalsmiths employed enamel...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –