Spanish Portrait Miniature c. 1720
The Spanish have a long history of religious jewelry given their fervent centuries long adherence to Catholicism. Under faceted glass is a poignant portrait on vellum of a Jesuit priest. Dressed in a black hooded robe over a white collar and fancy lace cuffs, he clutches a black crucifix to his breast. The mount is fire gilded gold over silver and each cardinal point is set with a faceted garnet-hued paste with alternating frilled open-work elements. The reverse is ornate with hand-engraved designs.
The turn of the 17th century brought about a shift in jewelry decoration. Backs were no longer elaborately enameled. What remained was nonetheless still astounding - intricately engraved designs. Continuing for several decades into the 18th even that fell from favor and the reverse of jewelry became plain and unadorned.
Measurements: 1-11/16 inches (4.2 cm) in length not including pin stem by 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in width. This antique portrait miniature has a weight of 15.2 grams (9.8 dwt).
Condition: Excellent; light wear to edges of the fire gilding; a tad bit of light scratching to the glass.
Date & Origin: Circa 1720 and is Spanish in origin.
Overall Scale: Medium
