Antique Virgin Mary and St. Joseph Double Sided Plique a Jour Medallion Pendant Enguerrand du Suau de La Croix

This exceptional double sided medallion of Virgin Mary and St. Joseph was hand fabricated circa 1900 by Enguerrand du Suau de la Croix of France. The pendant has been hand fabricated in silver-gilt and adorned with double high relief cabochons of enamel that gives the illusion of gemstone "panes", a technique the artist created.  In order to fuse the enamel and silver the artist had to keep the enameler's lamp at 800 degrees as the silver would become too soft. Quite a delicate process. 

In 2012 the Musee d'Orsay acquired the archive of Suau de la Croix and a number of his pieces are now on display at the museum. 

Measurements: 26.5 mm diameter, 30 mm in height without the 8.5 mm split ring

Weight: 5.1 grams

Markings: makers' mark and boar head hallmark for French silver located at the top of the Joseph side

Notes: one small chip on Virgin Mary side, replaced bale, chain is for photography purposes only