German or French, mid 17th century

the miniature removable, revealing very fine counter enamelling to the interior, allowing the pendant to be worn without portrait;
the box printed: Blembel Gebrüder Hamburg and inscribed in partially legible pencil: Medaillon- / Bildchen ... and with a handwritten note on folded paper describing the pendant as German, 17th century, and suggesting that the portrait represents a Pastor

Overall the condition of the pendant is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some very minor surface abrasions to the gold. The enamel is exceptionally well preserved, with only minor wear. The black counter enamel to the interior is slightly faded in areas. There is general wear to the painted metal plaque, in particular around the edges, where there are fissures.
"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."

The use of enamelled flowers and foliage was particularly prevalent on the backs and interiors of miniature cases from the early years of the 17th-century. Note the designs by French jewellers such as Etienne Carteron, Francois Le Febvre and Balthasar Mercier as illustrated by Evans. Such influences are to be seen in enamelled jewellery from much of Northern Europe by the middle of the century. Compare the present scrolling ribbon like suspension loop to the one illustrated in the Kugel exhibition catalogue attributed to France circa 1650 (op. cit., no. 23).

RELATED LITERATURE:
J. Evans, A History of Jewellery, London, 1970; A. Kugel, Joyaux Renaissance, exh. cat. Galerie J. Kugel, Paris 2000, no. 123