Hanger met portret van prins Maurits van Nassau (1567-1625) after 1602

This pendant with a portrait of Prince Maurits of Nassau was likely made around the early 17th century by an anonymous artist using layered hardstone, gold, and enamel. The layered hardstone, probably agate or onyx, was skillfully carved in cameo to depict the Prince in profile. This subtractive process would have required a series of specialized tools and a deep understanding of the stone's structure. The gold frame, decorated with colorful enamel, adds to the pendant's opulence. The techniques involved – goldsmithing, enameling, and cameo carving – all required years of training. Consider the social context. The pendant is not just a portrait; it is an assertion of power and status. It speaks volumes about the early modern economy of luxury, where specialized labor and precious materials combined to create objects of immense symbolic value. Looking closely at the pendant invites us to think beyond traditional art historical categories. It's a reminder that craft, design, and materiality are essential to understanding the full meaning of any artwork.