- 5
Gold, seed pearl and enamel pendant, circa 1700
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
Designed as a devotional pendant of The Madonna of the Pillar, against a background of foliate design, highlighted with seed pearls, translucent and opaque enamel, losses to enamel.
Condition
Overall the condition of the pendant is good. There is some wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. The seed pearl flower heads have been reattached at some point using wire work. There are several losses to the enamel.
7.2cm., 2 13/16 in.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."
Catalogue Note
Legend has it that in circa 40 AD the Virgin miraculously appeared on the banks of the river Ebro near Saragossa to assist the Evangelist St. James the Greater. Before she returned to Palestine she gave instructions for a church to be built around the marble pillar on which she stood. The cult of the Virgin of the Pillar grew in strength in the middle ages with such devotional jewels made for the pilgrims to the Cathedral in Saragossa. The present example would appear to date to the turn of the 17thcentury and was probably made in Saragossa for the pilgrims to the shrineRelated Literature:
Princely Magnificence, Court Jewels of the Renaissance 1500-1630, exh.cat Victoria and Albert Museum 1980-1981, nos.95, 104-107
Princely Magnificence, Court Jewels of the Renaissance 1500-1630, exh.cat Victoria and Albert Museum 1980-1981, nos.95, 104-107