Pendant

The settings of the stones on this pendant are open at the back. This allows direct contact with the wearer's skin. According to medieval and Renaissance beliefs, the magical properties of the stones could thus benefit the wearer. Renaisance pendants were often made as amulets to protect against danger. Here, the power of the amulet is heightened by an inscription to ward off epilepsy and an invocation to God, Jesus and Mary.

Physical description

Prophylactic pendant, gold, with traces of enamel in black and translucent blue, set with a hessonite garnet and a peridot, and hung with a sapphire.

Place of Origin

England, Great Britain (made)

Date

1540-1560 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Enamelled gold, set with a hessonite garnet and a peridot, and hung with a sapphire

Marks and inscriptions

'ANNANISAPTA+DEI'
'DETRAGRAMMATA IHS MARIA'

Dimensions

Height: 5.9 cm, Width: 2.8 cm, Depth: 0.6 cm

Object history note

The stones are set unbacked to allow their magical properties to reach the skin of the wearer.

Art at the Rockface Exhibition RF.2004/887

Historical context note

The pendant, although resembling several drawings by Holbein, seems to have been a common type.

Descriptive line

Prophylactic pendant, gold, enamelled and set with a hessonite garnet and a peridot, and hung with a sapphire, Britain, ca.1540-60.

Exhibition History

Art at the Rockface: The Fascination of Stone (The Millennium Galleries, Sheffield 23/09/2006-07/01/2007)
Art at the Rockface: The Fascination of Stone (Castle Museum, Norwich 01/01/2003-30/09/2006)

Materials

Gold; Garnet; Sapphire; Peridot

Techniques

Enamelled

Subjects depicted

Scrolls (motifs)

Collection code

MET

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