Gold and coral pendant of Saint Francis, 17th century

A gold mounted coral pendant of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Italian or Spanish, second quarter of the 17th century.

The coral figure measures 4.1 x 4.1cm, 7.4cm high including chain.

The kneeling figure of Saint Francis is depicted with his arms outstretched, red enamelled bleeding wounds to his hands, a gold rope belt securing his habit. Gold and enamel cuffs around his wrists secure the figure by chains to an enamelled pendant bail. The base of the figure is decorated with a gold and enamelled mount, the underside decorated with an image of the sun.

Contained within its original velvet lined leather case.

There is historic damage to the right hand and also to the enamelled sun on the base.

Provenance: Formerly the property of Sidney John Alexander Churchill MVO, (1862-1921), and thence by descent. Churchill researched the history of gold and silver work in Italy, especially the Two Sicilies, and wrote a number of reference works on Italian Goldsmiths in both English and Italian, when British Consul in Palermo (1898-1909) and Consul-General in Naples (1912-18).