Pendant

Jewellery encasing Christian ikons preserve the ancient tradition of protective amulets. Perhaps the most prevalent type of these is the group of pendants depicting the Virgin Mary, which is represented in the exhibition with a 20th-century piece from Spain. This modern piece of jewellery was created after the model of Medieval archetypes and Gothic ikons. The Madonna holding the Baby Jesus on her lap is visible in the filigree Gothic pedimented small niche, made of parcel-gilt silver. She wears a traditional garment: her red dress is cloaked in a blue mantle. The impact of the vivid colours of the enamel painted picture is even further enlivened by the polished almandine garnets set in the frame. The fine materials employed (gold, silver, precious stones, real pearls) further emphasise the sanctity of the imagery.