Gold and Enamel Locket Pendant Depicting the Virgin and Child

French, mid 17th century.

Circle of Jean II Toutin (1619–after 1660).

Measurements
• Height: 4.8 cm (excluding loose bail)
• Width: 3.5 cm
• Depth: 0.9 cm
• Weight: 17.2 grams

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An oval gold pendant of hinged construction, finely painted in polychrome enamels to both exterior faces with devotional scenes of the Virgin and Child. The enamel plaques are integral to the body of the locket, which is composed of a back and a hinged lid, enamelled on all sides.

One side depicts the Virgin holding a white rose in her right hand while cradling the infant Christ in her left arm, both framed by a vivid drapery of coral-red, ochre and cobalt blue.

The opening side presents a complementary composition, the Virgin shown in profile facing towards the left, tenderly gazing upon the Child who clutches a fold of her veil. This scene is partly framed by a gold appliqué engraved in the form of a drawn curtain, heightening the sense of intimacy as if revealing a private devotional moment.

The interior of the locket reveals a painted enamel landscape with tall trees, distant hills and flocks of birds in a pale, clouded sky. The opposite interior retains a plain turquoise enamel ground, possibly once intended to contain a portrait miniature or a relic. Both exterior compositions are after originals by Simon Vouet (1590–1649), whose refined treatment of sacred subjects was widely disseminated in 17th-century France through engravings.

Executed in the refined grisaille and polychrome technique perfected in Blois workshops, the enamels display delicate modelling, soft flesh tones and a compositional style indebted to contemporary French and Italian painting.