"mistralian" Cross

"Mistralian" Cross

Pendant in the shape of a cross known as the "Mistralian" cross. This design appeared in the late 19th century, embodying what might be called the “Provençal revival” spearheaded by Frédéric Mistral (1830–1914). This Nobel Prize winner in Literature (in 1904) was deeply attached to his region and eager to rediscover, in his native land, the regional identity of yesteryear. He wrote: “to revive and rekindle in Provence […]; to spur this renaissance through the restoration of the region’s natural and historical language […]; to restore the popularity of Provençal through the breath and flame of divine poetry.”

Our piece of jewelry is thus part of this movement to revive the production of regional jewelry in Provence. This cross could take on quite free-form shapes, but was often distinguished by the presence of openwork gold sections and scrollwork. More rarely, pearls accompanied the gemstones.

Late 19th century, Provence.

Gold, pearls, garnets.

Height: 6 cm

Width: 3.5 cm