Antique Madonna Portrait Pendant in 800 Silver, Sourced in France

A miniature of the Virgin, painted on a sky-blue ground and set under glass in an openwork frame. It's the kind of small devotional piece French women kept close for generations, usually pinned somewhere just over the heart.

She's shown in a white veil with one hand raised to her chest and a gilt halo worked in fine, lacy detail. The face is delicate and the brushwork is fine for something this small. The frame around her is cut into leafy scrolls, and the silver has darkened over time to a soft pewter tone, which makes the blue look even bluer.

There's a pin on the back and a loop at the top, so it can be worn as a brooch or on a chain. It's equally at home on a lapel or a velvet ribbon, and perfectly content on a dressing table if you'd rather admire it than wear it.

Details

• Sourced in France
• Materials: 800 silver (marked), painted miniature under glass
• Length: 1.75"
• Wears as a pendant or brooch
• Condition: Antique, with a natural darkened patina to the silver consistent with age