Antique Enamel Diamond and Gold Locket Pendant Depicting Minerva, Circa 1877

£11,800.00

Description

An antique enamel, diamond and gold locket pendant, with a domed enamel centre plaque, depicting the goddess Minerva, in monochrome white and grey highlighted with gold, on a brown background, signed AM, in an oval and rectangle frame, surrounded by tiny rose-cut diamonds, with an oval, Etruscan style, embossed border of flowers, arrows and foliage, in yellow and rose gold, on a similarly embossed bail, the back is polished and engraved, with the dates, June 19th..1850. June 19th..1877., in gothic script. Inside is a picture locket, in the back section, the back plate has engine turned decoration, with a scratched inventory mark, 1441, on the outer edge. In the front section is a smaller picture locket, over the counter enamelled plaque back, in an oval and rectangle frame. The original inserts are present on both sides, mounted in gold, circa 1877. Electronically tests as 18ct gold.

Minerva was the ancient Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, the arts, and strategic warfare. Originally rooted in Etruscan and Italian traditions as a patron of craftsmen, she was later fully equated with the Greek goddess Athena. She was born fully grown and armoured, springing from the head of Jupiter. She was one of the three supreme deities in Roman religion, alongside Jupiter and Juno. Frequently depicted wearing a soldier's helmet and holding a shield or spear, Minerva represented calculated, disciplined, and strategic warfare. Because her tactics brought an end to conflict, she was paradoxically also viewed as a goddess of peace. Minerva contrasted with Mars, who was the god of brutal, bloody war. She was a patron of the Arts and revered as the protector of artisans, teachers, painters, and physicians. Her sacred symbols were the owl, representing wisdom and the snake.

Please note this listing does not include a chain.

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Product REF: S30524P2