Sixteenth-century-style pendant 19th century

This pendant in the style of the sixteenth century was crafted by Reinhold Vasters, a 19th-century goldsmith known for his historicist creations. Vasters was active during a period when there was a renewed fascination with Renaissance art and design, which catered to the tastes of wealthy collectors. The pendant is made of gold, enamel, diamonds, and pearls. Its intricate design and luxurious materials reflect the opulence associated with Renaissance jewelry, yet it also speaks to the 19th century’s fascination with reinterpreting history through a contemporary lens. Consider the labor and materials that went into this pendant, and who would have been able to afford it. Vasters’s work allows us to consider the market forces and social hierarchies that shape artistic production and consumption. While seemingly traditional, Vasters's pendant complicates our understanding of authenticity, originality, and the enduring allure of the past.