Antique Bronze Devotional Pendant – Virgin And Child, Saint Benedict, And Saint Scholastica

Welcome to my shop. I am pleased to present this remarkable antique religious pendant.

A large devotional pendant cast in bronze, decorated on both sides and likely dating from the 18th or early 19th century. The religious depictions are rendered in an archaic and expressive style, inspired by early Christian and Byzantine art.

One side depicts the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus. The reverse likely depicts Saint Benedict and his twin sister, Saint Scholastica. The two figures are identified by the letters B and S. Between them is an upright abbatial crozier, whose curved upper part may resemble the letter Q.

The pendant has a twisted, hand-crafted loop. The inside of the loop has become smooth, widened, and heavily worn as a result of prolonged wear. This authentic wear and tear lends the object a great deal of character and supports the hypothesis of an ancient date.

The hollow areas display a beautiful natural verdigris patina, while the raised areas retain a warm, golden bronze hue due to repeated handling. The slightly irregular casting and the incised decoration along the border emphasize its artisanal character.

Material: bronze
Height including the bail: 5.8 cm
Width: 4.3 cm
Weight: 25 grams
Period: probably the 18th or early 19th century

The pendant is in good, authentic vintage condition, with patina, signs of age, and significant historical wear on the inside of the bail. Please examine the photographs carefully; they are an integral part of the description.

A particularly evocative antique devotional object, intended for collectors of religious art, folk art, and antique medals.

Thank you for visiting my shop. Warm regards, Ben.