Vincit Omnia Veritas

Large Renaissance Revival Pendant in the Manner of Reinhold Vasters, c. 1890

€ 28,890.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Large Renaissance Revival Pendant in the Manner of Reinhold Vasters, c. 1890

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

The art of the goldsmith creates not only pieces of jewellery for everyday use or selected occasions. The masters of their trade also create works of art in their own right, collector's items with no purpose other than to inspire the joy of beauty and craftsmanship. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the masters created precious bowls, goblets and figurines for the rulers of Europe: pieces that were intended to rouse admiration. Similar collector's items were also created in the 19th century, but now for the wealthy bourgeois of Europe and the USA. This is one such spectacular collector's item, a pendant far too large to wear on the body. We see a dragon, a monster, multicolored in the shine of transparent enamel on its body of gold. Its body is curled, its large teeth are bared. Shimmering emeralds drip from its back. A lady rides the dragon, almost unclothed except for a flowing scarf. She wields a sword and holds a diamond shield. There is no doubt: she will conquer the beast. The pendant is richly enamelled and set with pearls, diamonds and Colombian emeralds. A large emerald occupies the suspension at the upper end, from which a small bell swings. The work is as richly decorated as it is detailed. It is a pleasure to lose yourself in the numerous inventions of the goldsmith – and not least to feel the large, heavy work of high-carat gold in your hand. The depiction is puzzling. We think that we are witnessing the victory of truth over lies and falsehood. In ancient mythology, Renaissance taler from Brunswick, she stands victorious over lies and slander, as here. Or is it a Nereid, a companion of Poseidon, who rides on hippocampi? Showpieces with often ambivalent content, which were intended to stimulate conversation, were created in the late 19th century in the workshop of Inv. No. 1975.1.1513. Such allegorical or fantastical designs were a specialty of Vasters. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London also holds a special treasure, a large collection of design drawings from his hand. There are similar designs to our pendant, see for example this sketch of a sea creature, Inv. No. E.3404-1919 The format, the quality of the execution and not least the motif suggest that the pendant was created in Vasters' circle, certainly for the same audience that collected his works. We therefore date it, like Vasters' works, to the late 19th century. We discovered this unique pendant in the Netherlands. It has survived in first-class condition and comes in an antique case that was fitted for this very pendant.

Size & Details

Vincit Omnia Veritas

€ 28,890.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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