27 décembre 2017
Pendant with David and Goliath, Germany, late 16th century
Pendant with David and Goliath, Germany, late 16th century. Gold, enamel, 47 diamonds, 18 rubies. H 9,8 cm, W 6,7 cm. Green Vault, VIII 294 © Dresden State Art Collections.
The design of the jewelry pendant with David and Goliath reveals the changes in taste that occurred around 1600. The compact, cast gems with closed outline were gradually replaced by filigree shapes. Typical for the followers of this time is the openwork base plate, on which the jewelry motifs were fastened with the help of long pins. Projecting consoles, often studded with gemstones, became the stage on which to arrange individual figures, scenic representations or even monograms. David's victory over Goliath was also considered a model of the triumph of Christ over Satan. Such treasures, which point beyond their ornamental function, may have been understood as exhortations to virtue.
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