Renaissance Gold and Enamel Crucifixion Pendant, Spain 17th century

A Rock Crystal, Gold, and Enamel Crucifixion Pendant.

Spain, First Quarter of the 17th Century.

Measures 3.4 × 2.2 × 1.3 cm.

This late Renaissance devotional pendant is crafted from high-carat gold, its frame finely chased and adorned with black enamel. Encased within is a double-sided polychrome enamelled gold Calvary scene, depicting Christ upon the cross with St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary standing on either side. Each side of the pendant is glazed with domed pieces of rock crystal, which open to expose both crucifixion scenes.

A similar pendant featuring the Annunciation is housed in the Hispanic Museum and Library (Accession Number: R3493).

A further example catalogued as ‘German, 16th century’ can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Object Number: 17.190.898.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/193684

Another pendant which bears similarities and catalogued as ‘Probably French, ca. 1620–40’ is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Object Number: 1982.60.388.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/193684