Matilde Poulat Matl Mexican silver Cross with Angels Pendant Necklace

Dating in the earlier period of Matilde Poulat’s extraordinary career, the cross pendant presented here is adorned with Matl’s favorite stones - turquoise, amethyst and coral. Inspired by Mexico’s rich folk art, it belongs in her daringly eye-catching series of “jeweled” creations but here, there is an additional motif that makes the pendant even more precious. Namely, the two small repousse angel dangles, facing each other in a kneeling position with lit candles in their hands. The stones are held in raised bezels, a “trick” which creates a sense of depth and dimension while the small touches of wirework enhance the piece’s “folky” appearance. The pendant will come to you paired with an ornate, entirely hand-wrought Mexican chain from Taxco’s middle period which, though made by a different maestro, matches perfectly the cross’s style of ornamentation…

Size / Weight: pendant is 3” tall (without the bail) by 2 1/8” wide; with the bail, it adds a 3 1/4” drop to the chain; chain itself is 27” long; 38.2 grams (for the set)

Hallmarks / Date: pendant fully signed with Matl’s name in script as shown as well as “0.925” and “HECHO EN MEXICO D.F.”; chain is marked with maker’s initials “MCE” as well as “925 MEXICO” and bears Eagle 3 assay mark; 1934-48 for former; 1950s-60s for latter

Condition: excellent vintage with striking coloration, all its stones safely set in their bezels and accounted for, the angel dangles in great shape as well, having no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 15813/15422