Hat Badge with the Head of Saint John the Baptist Adapted as a Pendant
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1500
This circular piece of jewelry is a French hat badge (enseigne) adapted for use as a pendant, dating to circa 1500. It measures 6.2 by 4.7 cm (2 7/16 by 1 7/8 inches) and is fashioned from gold, carnelian, and enamel.
The central field displays a sculpted, enameled relief depicting the severed head of Saint John the Baptist set against a carnelian backing, encircled by stylized radiating golden rays. This central motif is framed by an openwork gold border bearing an inscription separated by cross motifs, bordered on the exterior by twisted ropework-style edging. At the top of the circular frame, a decorative bead and suspension loop allow the piece to be suspended as a pendant.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold, carnelian, and enamel
- Dimensions
- 6.2 × 4.7 cm (2 7/16 × 1 7/8 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- French
- Place recorded
- France
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Hat Badge with the Head of Saint John the Baptist Adapted as a Pendant
- Museum object number
- 1992.301
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.