Renaissance pendant of the Pelican in her piety

A Renaissance gold and enamel pendant of the Pelican in her piety.

Spanish, late 16th – early 17th century.

Measures 8.8 x 3.7 x 1.3cm.

The pelican is shown with outstretched wings, perched upon a branch and about to pierce her breast. The pendant is extensively decorated in champlevé white, green, red and black enamels. Chains attached to each of the birds wings are suspended from a single enamelled pendant bail. A baroque pearl is suspended from the birds feet and an emerald and a ruby from each of the birds wings.

This enamelled gold pendant represents a subject known as 'The Pelican in her Piety'. It refers to the medieval fable of the pelican drawing blood from its own breast to feed its young. This image is used to symbolise Christ sacrificing himself on the cross to redeem the world's sins. It was associated with Elizabeth as mother of her nation. The queen owned several pelican jewels set with rubies or garnets.

References:

Eagle Pendant, circa 1600-1630. Collection of the Hispanic Museum & Library, New York, accession Number: R3499

The Pelican in her Piety Pendant, ca. 1550-1575. Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number; 335-1870