French Art Nouveau silver Chimera pendant
Magnificent is the first word comes to mind when looking at this impressive silver sculptured chimera pendant, French made during the Art Nouveau era. The piece shows exquisite craftsmanship: his richly decorated feathers, his powerful and muscular body in relief as well as his fearless look are fully expressed by the skillful silversmith. The pendant is converted from an early 20th century belt buckle.
This large and fine-quality pendant sympoblizes a bygone era where jewelry was handmade by the finest artisans with the utmost attention to detail. It is a truly one-of-a kind jewelry piece to offer or to receive.
Chimera is probably one of those most mysterious creatures we can have in the antique jewelry: it was a fire-breathing creature with the body and head of a lion, a goat's head rising from its back, the udders of a goat, and a serpent for a tail. Toward the close of the 19th century French jewelers created a golden bestiary of fantastic creatures and mythical animals. This richly detailed chimera is a wonderful example of the work of the French fin de siecle jewelry artists.
Measurements and condition
In very good antique condition. Professional cleaned.
Silver patina, slight traces of use at the back of the pendant.
A hallmark on the bail of the pendant.
Height: 56mm
Width: 56mm
Weight: 32.2g
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