Pendant Design with a Peace-Goddess Flanked by Two Warriors 1581 - 1636

This pendant design with a peace-goddess flanked by two warriors was created by Jan Collaert I in the late 16th century. During this time, Antwerp was a hub for artistic exchange. Collaert's design embodies the era's complex relationship between power, beauty, and religion. At its center, we see the goddess of peace, standing tall, while two warriors recline at her feet. This positioning is not merely aesthetic; it suggests a world where male strength is tempered by female wisdom and diplomacy. The intricate framework of the pendant itself, adorned with jewels, speaks to the opulence and social stratification of the time. It would have been a symbol of status, worn by someone of considerable wealth and influence. The choice of a peace goddess is interesting, as it reflects a desire for harmony during a period marked by religious conflict. The pendant presents a visual argument for the transformative power of peace, but it is confined to the bodies of the classical figures, not necessarily indicative of the world in which it was made.