Oval-Shaped Pendant Design with Hebe Seated under a Niche 1530 - 1573

This pendant design by Jan Collaert I was made using engraving, a printmaking technique. Here, a metal plate would have been carefully incised with tools called burins, creating fine lines that hold ink. The material properties of the metal, its hardness and receptivity to precise carving, allow for incredible detail. Look closely at the floral filigree surrounding the goddess Hebe. The texture is delicate, almost lace-like, showcasing Collaert’s mastery. The process would have been laborious, demanding both skill and patience. The print would have allowed Collaert to disseminate this design widely, a key aspect of the burgeoning market for luxury goods in the 16th century. Consider the social context: jewelry like this signaled wealth and status. Collaert’s engraving isn't just a drawing; it's a blueprint for aspiration, a tangible link between artistic vision and the world of fashion and consumption. It collapses the boundary between art and craft.