Spanish, circa 1620-1630

The inverted triangular shape of this jewel was allegorical of the Trinity and the crowned MA monogram represented the Virgin Immaculata. To the holy name IHS are added above a cross and below three nails combining to represent the absolute devotion to the Passion. For similar designs and jewels dating to the early 17th century see Muller op. cit. For a similar enameled gilt bronze example see La Joyeria Espanola op cit.

RELATED LITERATURE

P.E. Muller,  Jewels in Spain, 1500-1800, 1972, pp.118-120 figs 183-188; La Joyeria Espanola de Felipe II a Alfonso XIII En Los Museos Estatales, Madrid 1998, cat. no 98, p. 146