ticketsMember | Make a donation

Badge of the Order of Saint Michael

17th century, with modern chains and links
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Badge of the Order of Saint Michael
  • Date: 17th century, with modern chains and links
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Shell cameo, mounted in gold, with seashell motifs
  • Dimensions: Overall, with chain extended: 3 1/8 x 1 1/4 in. (8 x 3.3 cm);
    Visible cameo with right facing figure (confirmed): 27.5 x 21.7 mm;
    Visible cameo with left facing figure (confirmed): 28.8 x 22 mm
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold and Platinum
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.864
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Snuffbox, Daniel Govaers (or Gouers) French, Gold, diamonds, French, Paris
Snuffbox
Daniel Govaers (or Gouers)
1734–35
Snuffbox, Mathieu Coiny fils, Gold, enamel, gem stones, French, Paris
Snuffbox
Mathieu Coiny fils
Jean-Baptiste Beckers
1759–60
Snuffbox with six scenes of putti at play, Jean Georges (or George), Gold, grisaille enamel, diamonds, French, Paris
Snuffbox with six scenes of putti at play
Jean Georges (or George)
Mademoiselle Duplessis
ca. 1761–62
La Crainte des Traits de l'Amour, Jean-Louis Lemoyne, Marble, French, Paris
La Crainte des Traits de l'Amour
Jean-Louis Lemoyne
1739–40
Allegorical figure, François Girardon French, Marble, French, Paris
Allegorical figure
François Girardon
1672–75

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.