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Elements from a Necklace

late 15th–16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 306
The consummate skill of goldsmiths in Nasrid Granada is evident in these necklace elements, which combine filigree, granulation, and cloisonné enamelwork. The Latin inscription on the central pendant, "Hail Mary, full of Grace," the salutation of the archangel Gabriel when he revealed to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Christ Child, leaves no doubt that this necklace excavated in Granada before 1916 was meant to be worn by a Christian. Among a series of exceptional works that have been attributed to the same Nasrid workshop are items that were clearly destined for Muslim, Christian, and Jewish patrons.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Elements from a Necklace
  • Date: late 15th–16th century
  • Geography: Made in Granada, Spain
  • Culture: Spanish
  • Medium: Gold, cloisonnè enamel
  • Dimensions: f:wheel shaped medallion: 3 x 3/16 in. (7.6 x 0.5 cm)
    b,d,j,h:4 lotus bud plaques: 3 5/16 x 2 1/16 x 3/16 in. (8.4 x 5.2 x 0.5 cm)
    e,g:largest cylindrical beads: 2 x 3/4 in. (5.1 x 1.9 cm)
    c,i:cylindrical beads: 1 7/8 x 11/16 in. (4.8 x 1.7 cm)
    a:smallest cylindrical bead: 1 x 1/2 in. (2.5 x 1.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.161a-j
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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