Badge of the Order of Saint Michael

French

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 532

Both sides of this pendant contain shell cameos with well-worn, almost mirror images of the archangel Michael putting down Satan. The badge belonged to a member of the French Royal Order of Saint Michael, which was founded by Louis XI in 1469. Badges with shell were reputedly presented to ecclesiastic members, whose numbers had swelled to one hundred before they were reduced to six by decree of Louis XIV in 1655 as part of a reform of the chivalric order.

Badge of the Order of Saint Michael, Shell cameo, mounted in gold, with seashell motifs, French

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Badge of the Order of Saint Michael, Shell cameo, mounted in gold, with seashell motifs, French
Badge of the Order of Saint Michael, Shell cameo, mounted in gold, with seashell motifs, French

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