Spanish, 17th century

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Large devotional pendant in the shape of a lantern, containing the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
partially enamelled gold, set with heliotrope and agate beads, garnets and cut glass, the Virgin gilt and polychromed wood wearing a partially enamelled gold crown set with seed pearls
Spanish, 17th century

Condition

Overall the condition of the jewel is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor losses to the enamel including to the green of the corners and the red of the flower on top and the flower surmounting the pearl. There are some minor losses and tearing to the settings of the glass and the rubies. The roof and underside no longer fit snugly onto the core due to slight warping. The glass is dirty on the inside. The wood Virgin has lost some of her polychromy.
"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

This is an extraordinarily large example of a typically Spanish type of pendant shaped like a lantern and containing micro carvings of religious scenes. Such pendants functioned as miniature tabernacles. Most are enamelled with black and white, but a 4 centimeter pendant with Ecce Homo and the Crucifixion without gems and floral decoration but similar translucent enamel is in the British Museum (inv. nr. WB 183), whilst a fine Spanish colonial one measuring 6.5 centimeter with the Carrying of the Cross was offered by J. Kugel in 2000 (op.cit., no. 55).

RELATED LITERATURE
A.B. Chadour and R. Joppien, Schmuck I. Hals-, Ohr-, Arm- und Gewandschmuck, cat. Kunstgewerbemuseum der Stadt Köln, Cologne, 1985, p. 219, no. 109; A. Kugel and R. Distelberger, Joyaux Renaissance. Une splendeur retrouvée, exh. cat. J. Kugel, Paris, 2000