Pendant
1750-1799 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Religious pendants, called Deli, were common in all the Catholic cantons of Switzerland. In central Switzerland they consisted of a double-sided pendant with pictures of saints or other Christian symbols on each side. The name Deli may derive from the Latin words Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) which was a common theme, or from the French word médaille, or medallion. They were worn by women, hung from a black velvet ribbon round the neck.
Although some feature profane pictures, the vast majority, like this one, have two religious images. On one side of this pendant is the image of St Catherine holding a broken wheel, the symbol of her martyrdom, and a martyr’s palm. On the other is another saint, holding a pen.
Although some feature profane pictures, the vast majority, like this one, have two religious images. On one side of this pendant is the image of St Catherine holding a broken wheel, the symbol of her martyrdom, and a martyr’s palm. On the other is another saint, holding a pen.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt filigree with reverse-painted glass |
Brief description | Silver-gilt filigree religious pendant (Trachtendeli) with pictures of saints, Solothurn (Switzerland), 1750-1799. |
Physical description | Pendant consisting of a filigree bow with a two-sided oval medallion hanging from it, with an oval filigree bead at the bottom. The medallion has an image of St. Catherine on one side, reverse-painted on glass, and an unidentified female martyr on the other. |
Dimensions |
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Historical context | Described as from 'Lucerne and Schwytz' in register. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Religious pendants, called Deli, were common in all the Catholic cantons of Switzerland. In central Switzerland they consisted of a double-sided pendant with pictures of saints or other Christian symbols on each side. The name Deli may derive from the Latin words Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) which was a common theme, or from the French word médaille, or medallion. They were worn by women, hung from a black velvet ribbon round the neck. Although some feature profane pictures, the vast majority, like this one, have two religious images. On one side of this pendant is the image of St Catherine holding a broken wheel, the symbol of her martyrdom, and a martyr’s palm. On the other is another saint, holding a pen. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 174-1870 |
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Record created | January 4, 2008 |
Record URL |
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