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Pendant in the Form of Neptune and a Sea Monster

early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 540
This pendant is a typical example of the kind of jewelry that was fashionable during the last half of the 16th and beginnings of the 17th century in which natural materials such as (semi-) precious stones, choral and pearls were combined with precious metals and colorful enamel. In this pendant, the shape and provenance (the water) of the pearl are cleverly used as inspiration for its design in which the pearl forms the main body of a sea monster and is surmounted by the figure of the Roman sea god Neptune.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pendant in the Form of Neptune and a Sea Monster
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: probably Netherlandish
  • Medium: Baroque pearl with enameled gold mounts set with rubies, diamonds, pearls
  • Dimensions: Height: 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
  • Classifications: Jewelry, Metalwork-Gold and Platinum
  • Credit Line: The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.60.378
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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