A Filigree Pendant in the Form of a Flaming Sacred Heart.
Spain, late 17th century.
Measurements: 7.4 × 5.5 cm.
Weight: 11.9 grams.
A devotional pendant of fine gold filigree, intricately worked in open lattice and set with numerous natural baroque pearls. The pierced mount is formed in the shape of a flaming heart surmounted by a royal crown and cross finial—an unmistakable allusion to the Sacred Heart of Christ. At the centre of the pendant lies a radiating floral motif, from which curling tendrils and leaf-like scrolls extend symmetrically, each enriched with graduated pearls of irregular form, creating an organic exuberance. The pendant is in good condition, retaining its original pearls; however, the outermost, farthest protruding tip of filigree on the back, at the far right of the top side of the flaming heart, bears a historic gold wirework repair. The pendant can be worn both as a pendant and as a bodice jewel, the chain pictured is shown for display purposes only and is not included with the jewel.
This pendant exemplifies the virtuosity of Spanish goldsmiths in the late Baroque period, particularly their mastery of filigree—a technique widely employed in the Iberian Peninsula and its colonies. The flaming heart motif was deeply rooted in post-Tridentine Catholic devotion and popularised throughout Spain and Latin America in the 17th century as a symbol of Christ’s redemptive love, often worn as a declaration of piety or as a votive object.
Provenance:
Accompanied by an early handwritten note:
“Gold filigree & pearl pendant. Bought at Seville from […] Came from Cordova. Old Spanish work – 2 or 300 years (he said).”
Also by descent in the collection of the Earls of Home, The Hirsel, Berwickshire.
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