L13231

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Lot 55
  • 55

Spanish, late 16th century

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pendant in the form of a Mermaid
  • enamelled gold, set with a Baroque pearl, adorned with smaller pearls, suspended from a later metal pin
  • Spanish, late 16th century

Condition

Overall the condition of the pendant is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling with particular dirt around the pearls mounted in the body. There are some nicks and scratches to the gold and there are losses to the enamel. The white enamel on the reverse is somewhat pitted. The large drop is an imitation pearl and the other pearls are possibly later. Some of the loops on the chain and body are warped and open. The pin is a later addition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The use of the Baroque pearl demonstrates the skill of the jeweller to adapt nature to a work of art. Such pendants were popular from the second half of the 16th century, in particular in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. A very similar pendant was sold in these rooms on 17 May 1960, lot 117, catalogued as German, early 17th century. The present pendant is, however, likely to be Spanish. It is close to a design for a pendant by Jaume Pares, dating to 1591 (Muller, op. cit. p. 80, fig. 117). A more elaborate Spanish 16th-century siren pendant is in the British Museum, whilst the white enamelling is similar to that seen on a centaur pedant with the Hispanic Society of America (Muller, op. cit. pp. 81, 83, figs. 119, 125).

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Muller, Jewels in Spain 1500-1800, New York, 1972, pp. 80, 81, 83, figs. 117, 119, 125