As a Vermeer in Enamel - Early Clasp

The combination of the sensate realm of a miniature painting and that of a timeworn object, such as jewelry, is fascinating. It was during the Renaissance that the art of painting reached a pinnacle with the honing of perspective and rendering of three-dimensional figures in space. Concurrently, the art of enameling was also at its finest. Well into the late 17th century the traditions of jewelry and painting collided and the results are some of the most captivating and consummate objects ever created.

Here a superb enamel in oval form is set within a high carat gold filigree clasp and slide. Two women greet one another – one of apparent royal lineage as her vermilion garb is trimmed in ermine. Her cap with its flowing jonquil hued veil, decidedly reminiscent of earlier centuries, blows in the breeze. She is greeting a barefoot maiden clothed in billowing robes. Both stand upon a loggia or terrace of cobalt blue and buttercup yellow tiles. In the foreground is a stonewall rimmed by a stone balustrade with topiary atop; and a garden and hilltops are seen in the distance. Could this be an allegory? Possibly… how curious, the figure on the right is barefoot …perhaps some lost symbolism now hidden deep in our memory.

The filigree work is fine and substantial with points of gold at the tips (one missing). The original slide clasp is intact and the inner rim is decorated with an engraved starburst pattern. Ribbons are meant to be wrapped and affixed to each of the straight fittings on the reverse and the piece worn as a necklace or bracelet.

In very fine condition with the enamel near mint; one small gold bead at tip lost in the passage of time; light wear otherwise excellent. Circa 1680, it is most likely Continental in origin. Note: any white areas in the enamel area are merely reflections from the light - the enamel is near perfect.