An exquisite and spiritually evocative piece of religious micro-art, this antique devotional pendant captures the transcendent beauty of late 19th-century European ecclesiastical jewelry.
Hand-fabricated in 14K yellow gold (professionally acid-tested), the shield-shaped pendant features a magnificent hand-painted miniature enamel scene on the front, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary amidst a celestial starry night sky, robed in her iconic deep blue and white garments. The vibrant polychrome enamel is framed by an ornate, pierced gold scroll and granulation border.
The reverse side is finished in pristine white enamel, delicately inscribed in hand-lettered script with the traditional Hungarian devotional prayer: "SZ. MĂRIA ISTEN ANYJA IMĂDKOZZ ĂRETTĂNK!" (âHoly Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!â), accented with charming hand-painted scroll flourishes.
Measuring 4.6 cm by 3.0 cm and weighing a substantial 7.0 grams, this unsigned artisan piece displays remarkable heft and preservation.
Unmarked, as is characteristic of many regional European artisan works of the era, but tested and verified as solid 14K gold.
A profound, museum-quality collectorâs heirloom for connoisseurs of antique religious jewelry and fine painted enamels.
Specifications & Details
⢠Era: Late Victorian / Turn-of-the-Century (Circa 1880sâ1910s)
⢠Design: Hand-Painted Enamel Devotional Shield Pendant (Virgin Mary / Hungarian Inscription)
⢠Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold (Professionally Tested; Unmarked)
⢠Technique: Polychrome Miniature Enamel & Gold Filigree Border
⢠Inscription (Reverse): "SZ. MĂRIA ISTEN ANYJA IMĂDKOZZ ĂRETTĂNK!"
⢠Dimensions: Height: 4.6 cm (approx. 1.81") | Width: 3.0 cm (approx. 1.18")
⢠Total Weight: 7.0 grams
⢠Condition: Antique Excellent. The painted enamel on both sides remains remarkably crisp, vibrant, and free of chips or cracks; the 14K gold setting shows a warm historic patina.
