Italian Renaissance Revival silver carnelian "child and dolphin" Necklace

An exquisite example of Italian Renaissance Revival jewelry that were so popular with tourists on their Grand Tour at the turn and first few decades of the 20th c. this long pendant necklace is the epitome of “figural”. Not only is its chain interspersed with links representing iconic Italian monuments and coats of arms, its large pendant is a work of art too. I will suggest that the central figure is maybe inspired by Verrocchio’s “Child and Dolphin”. The child here, however, is combined with the “Green Man” motif and surrounded by scrolling foliate designs. Theatrical masks, grotesques, fleur-de-lis, the Medici family crest, it almost feels like the whole history of Italy is cast in a necklace to help the wearer remember their amazing European adventure…

Size / Weight: 31” long (the chain is all one strand, with no clasp); pendant adds a 4 1/4” drop to the chain (including the dangles) and is 2 7/8” wide; 80.4 grams

Hallmarks / Date: not signed for maker; “800” but only partially stamped - tested and guaranteed to be solid silver; 1920s-40s

Condition: excellent vintage, generously long and crisply cast, with rich detail in the figural pendant and chain links, having beautiful patina, with its carnelian beads adding a lovely splash of color and having no damage or any repairs noted

Inv# 15765