Pendant with head of Christ
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Rock crystal, cut on the wheel.
Dimensions
H. 7 cm, W. 5.7 cm, D. 4 cm.
Classification
Jewelry, Precious Metals and Precious Stones
Culture
Italian, Ferrara
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1493
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Pendant with Head of Christ*, crafted in 16th-century Ferrara, Italy, exemplifies the Renaissance mastery of rock carving. Measuring just 7 cm high, 5.7 cm wide, and 4 cm deep, this intimate jewelry piece features a finely detailed bust of Christ, likely rendered as an intaglio—cut into the crystal using a wheel for precision and depth. Rock crystal, a clear form of quartz prized for itsucency, allowed light to illuminate the figure, creating a luminous, almost ethereal effect that enhanced its devotional appeal. Hailing from Ferrara, a vibrant center of Italian Renaissance ar...