Pendant
1775-1825
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
1929.8.213
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pendant, crafted by an unidentified artist between 1775 and 1825, exemplifies the delicate artistry of early American jewelry. Featuring a finely detailed profile bust adorned with a hat, it likely served as a personal keepsake—perhaps a silhouette, cameo, or miniature portrait—worn close to the heart. As a piece of decorative arts in gold or similar precious materials, such pendants were prized for their intimate scale and craftsmanship, blending functionality with sentimental value during a time of national formation. Dating to the Federal period and early American Republic, ...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –