Silver Gilt And Rock Crystal Verre églomisé Pendant. German, Circa. 1600.

A silver gilt and rock crystal verre églomisé pendant.

German, c.1600.

Measures 5.7 x 3.6 x 1.2cm (height measured excluding pearl drop).

The pendant is set with a large, pink foil-backed rock crystal intaglio of the crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin, Saint John and Mary Magdalene.

To the other side is a verre églomisé painting on glass of the Agnus Dei, seated upon the bible, with sceptre in hand and ‘IHS’ within a red heart below.

The pendant opens to reveal an interior compartment, possibly to contain the host, a relic or even scent as the body of the pendant is pierced in between collet set garnets adorning the sides. Two pearls are suspended from a loop at the base of the pendant.

The last image is from the collection of the Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London, it is catalogued as: Anonymous German maker, Book-shaped pendant, c. 1600, silver gilt and painted glass, 3.2 x 2.6 cm, museum number: O.1966.GP.274.