18th Century French cross in filigree gold with good readable hallmarks

Cross pendant one-side with Christ at the center of a full Latin cross decorated with openwork and filigree. Shells at the ends of the Saint André cross. This type of cross is part of the adornment of wealthy wives along the coast between Boulogne and Dunkirk in France. They are typical by their shells motifs that evokes the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostelle and the filigree work is perhaps the mark of a distant Spanish origin. The County of Flanders became Spanish between the 15th and 17th centuries. The curly lines might also evoke twisted ropes wound on the bridge and the shell as product from fishing.

Antique jewelry object group: pendants
Country of origin: France
Style: Georgian- ( styles overview)
Period: ca. 1770 (events and facts in 1770)
Source of inspiration: Christianity
Theme: crucifixion - In the Roman era crucifixion was a very common way of executing despised criminals and slaves, and Christianity still was an illegal religion. By sacrificing himself, Christ liberated man from Adam's sin that had been inherited by the entire humanity. Christ has been depicted leaning his head on his right shoulder, while wearing the subligaculum (a small strip of cloth) around the waist and the crown of thorn on his head.
Material: 18K yellow gold - (precious metals)
Technique: Filigree; this is in fact thin gold wire twisted into refined motifs. This technique demands very high skills and precision from the maker.
Hallmarks: clearly readable hallmarks on the back of the cross, see also the picture - (general hallmarks info)
Condition: excellent condition - (our condition scale)
Dimensions: height approximately 6.17 cm (2.43 inch)
Weight: 7.50 gram (4.82 dwt)
Reference Nº: 09177-4360

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