Devotional Silver Gilt And Niello Pendant. Italian, 15th Century.

A devotional silver gilt and niello pendant.

Italian, 15th century.

Measures 7.8 x 6.6 x 1cm.

The silver gilt setting is framed with rope-work decoration applied to the outer edge, the niello plaques set behind a glazed panel to each side. One niello roundel depicts the Virgin in prayer, attended by angels before the swaddled Christ child. The roundel on the other side is with an image of John the Baptist holding a staff in one hand and the lamb of god in the other, a banderole encircles his left wrist and bears the inscription ‘ECCE-AGNUS-DEI-‘. 

Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal.

References:
Collection of the British Museum, Registration number:
1849,1208.109.

Collection of the British Museum, Registration number:
1877,0609.100.

Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession number: 704-1884.

Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession number: 6566-1855.

Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number: 17.190.965.

Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number: 2000.152.