This enamelled gold pendant represents a subject known as 'The Pelican in her Piety'. It refers to the medieval fable of the pelican drawing blood from its own breast to feed its young. This image is used to symbolise Christ sacrificing himself on the cross to redeem the world's sins. The pendant was once in the Treasury of the Cathedral of the Virgin of the Pillar in Saragossa, Spain.
Physical description
Pendant, 'The Pelican in Its Piety', enamelled gold set with a foiled ruby simulant and hung with pearls, the back with black-and-white moresques.
Place of Origin
Spain (made)
Date
ca. 1550-1575 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Enamelled gold, set with a ruby simulant (rock crystal with red adhesive layer and foil), and hung with pearls
Dimensions
Height: 96 mm, Width: 38 mm, Depth: 24 mm
Object history note
From the Treasury of the Cathedral of the Virgin of the Pillar, Zaragoza. One of a group of jewels purchased by the Museum in 1870, when the Cathedral authorities sold off treasures presented to the shrine of the Virgin in order to complete their building programme.
Descriptive line
Pendant, 'The Pelican in her Piety', enamelled gold set with a foiled red paste gem and hung with pearls, the back with black-and-white moresques enamel. Spain, about 1550-75.
Exhibition History
Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars (Victoria and Albert Museum)
The Golden Age of the English Court: From Henry VIII to Charles I (Moscow Kremlin Museums 24 Oct 2012-27 Jan 2013)
Elizabeth I (National Maritime Museum 01/05/2003-14/09/2003)
Labels and date
Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars label text:
The Pelican in her Piety pendant
About 1550–75
The pelican feeding her young with blood from her breast is a symbol of Christ. It was associated with Elizabeth as mother of her nation. The queen owned several pelican jewels set with rubies or garnets. One was given by Lady Sidney in 1573.
Probably Spain
Enamelled gold, set with a foiled ruby simulant
(rock crystal with a red adhesive layer) and hung with pearls
Bought at the sale of jewels from the treasury of the Cathedral of the
Virgin of the Pillar, Zaragoza, 1870
V&A 335-1870
Materials
Gold; Pearl; Paste
Subjects depicted
Bird; Moresques; Pelican; Christ's sacrifice
Categories
Jewellery
Collection code
MET
