“ecce Homo” Devotional Pendant In Carved Ivory And 18-karat Gold

An important devotional pendant depicting the face of Christ crowned with thorns (Ecce Homo), finely carved in ivory in high relief. The work stands out for its remarkable craftsmanship, the profound expressiveness of the face, and the meticulous rendering of the details of the beard, hair, and crown of thorns—elements that attest to a refined tradition of religious carving in southern Germany. Based on its stylistic characteristics and artistic sensibility, the work can be attributed to southern Germany—likely Bavaria or the Austro-German region—and dates to between the late 18th century and the early decades of the 19th century (approximately 1780–1820). The carving is now set in an elegant circular 18-karat yellow gold mount, complete with a 750-hallmarked loop, likely made at a later date.

The reverse side retains the natural grain and characteristic marks of the organic material.

A rare object of private devotion, of great appeal to collectors, halfway between a religious sculpture and a piece of art jewelry.

Materials: carved ivory, 18-karat gold (750).

Provenance: Southern Germany (Bavaria) or the Austro-German region.

Date: Late 18th–early 19th century (circa 1780–1820); later setting.