Large Enamel Pendant in Holbein Style With Diamonds, Pearls & Emeralds

Long before our time, the Titan Chronos ruled the world. The god was jealous and feared that his own offspring might one day push him from his throne. Therefore, he devoured each of the children born of his wife to secure his place as ruler. Rhea, meanwhile, his wife, wept for her children and one day decided to hide the newborn Zeus from Chronos. She gave him into the care of a nymph who, in the form of a goat, nourished Zeus with her milk. Thus the future ruler of Olympus grew up, protected and raised by the goat Amalthea. This large pendant made of gold, precious stones, pearls and coloured enamel is a precious monument to this tale from the mythical world of the Greeks. We see Zeus and the goat in the middle of the work, which is made of high-carat gold. A multi-coloured enamelled frame set with precious emeralds, rubies and diamonds surrounds the scene, which is given as a sculptural group in miniature format. The upper part is formed by movable chains, while female grotesque figures and a sparkling row of diamonds provide a solid base for Zeus and Amalthea. Works in gold with coloured enamelling have been the pinnacle of goldsmiths' art since the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. The "Goldene Rössel" from Altötting, made in 1404, and the "Saliera" by Benvenuto Cellini, now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, are world-famous. In the 19th century, designs in the Renaissance style also became fashionable throughout Europe in the field of jewellery, initially in France and England, and towards the end of the century also in Germany and Austria-Hungary. The pendant presented here was created in Italy during the last few years, and its skilful and detailed workmanship places it in this great tradition. Its forms, its theme from classical antiquity and its colouring correspond exactly to its famous predecessors. Since it is so amazingly elaborately crafted and at the same time perfectly preserved, we have decided not to withhold it from you. It is a beautiful sign of an unequal but nurturing love against all odds - or just a first-class piece of goldsmith's art. Just according to your own point of view.

Estimation:€3,980

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