The pendant depicts a Black male figure rendered with remarkable detail and presence. A crisp white enameled ruff collar stands out against the deep, lustrous patina of the carved bust, reflecting Renaissance fashion and courtly status of the period. The figure is crowned with an ornate headdress and set upon a lavish base decorated in a rhythmic Baroque arrangement of pearls, square-cut emeralds, and rubies, all carefully mounted in gold. The level of craftsmanship points to a highly skilled workshop with access to luxury materials and an acute sense of visual drama.
Often referred to as Moretto pendants, works of this kind were especially popular among elite circles in Venice and across the Mediterranean during the 17th century. They functioned as symbols of wealth, power, and global reach, closely tied to the maritime trade networks of the Venetian Republic. Today, such pieces are also the focus of scholarly study, offering insight into the intersection of European artistry, international commerce, and the historical representation of African figures in decorative arts.
Based on current market data for high-level Venetian and early Baroque jewelry, an authentic pendant of this size and material composition would be valued as follows in 2026.
*Auction estimate:** €12,000 – €25,000
*Retail / insurance value:** €28,000 – €45,000+
Preserved in the Museum of Gandia, this pendant stands as both a work of exceptional craftsmanship and a complex historical object, inviting appreciation not only for its beauty but also for the layered cultural narratives it embodies.
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