If you want to use this site please update your browser!
CATALOG
0 0
  • $
  • C$
  • £
  • $
  • C$
  • £
19.03.2021

Middleham Jewel

The Middleham Jewel is a fascinating late 15th-century gold pendant with significant religious and historical significance. Here are some key details about the Middleham Jewel:

1. Discovery and Acquisition: The Middleham Jewel was discovered by a metal detectorist in 1985 near Middleham Castle, which was the northern residence of King Richard III. It was later acquired by the Yorkshire Museum in York for £2.5 million.

2. Description: The pendant is made of gold and weighs approximately 68 grams (2.4 ounces). It features a prominent 10-carat blue sapphire stone set on one side and has a diamond-shaped design. The pendant measures approximately 6.4 centimeters (2.5 inches) in diameter.

3. Engravings and Religious Scenes: The Middleham Jewel is adorned with intricate engravings depicting religious scenes. The obverse side features an image of the Trinity, including the Crucifixion of Jesus. Surrounding this scene is a Latin inscription that translates to "Behold the Lamb of God, who removes the sins of the world. Have mercy on us..." Additionally, there is a word, "Ananyzapta," which may have had protective or magical significance, possibly against epilepsy.

4. Reverse Side: On the reverse side of the pendant, there is an engraved image of the Nativity, with the Lamb of God at the center. Surrounding this scene are the faces of fifteen saints, with some identified as Saint Peter, Saint George, Saint Barbara, Saint Margaret of Antioch, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Dorothea of Caesarea, and Saint Anne. Other suggestions for the unidentified saints include Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Nicholas of Myra, Saint Jerome, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Agnes, Saint Cecilia, Saint Clara of Assisi, and Saint Helena or Brigitte of Sweden.

5. Reliquary and Symbolism: The Middleham Jewel was originally designed as a reliquary, containing a fragment of holy cloth. The pendant's hollow interior once held three and a half tiny discs of silk embroidered with gold thread. The sapphire in the jewel may have symbolized heaven and possibly served as an aid to prayer. Given the presence of holy women and nativity scenes, it is speculated that the jewel may have been intended to aid in childbirth.

6. Historical Connections: The jewel is believed to have belonged to a person of high status, possibly a relative of King Richard III, such as his wife Anne Neville, his mother Cecily Neville, or his mother-in-law Anne Beauchamp, who was the widow of Warwick the Kingmaker. The sapphire's blue color, associated with the Virgin Mary, and the religious depictions suggest that it may have had healing or protective properties, including curing various ailments.

7. Significance: The Middleham Jewel offers valuable insights into the religious beliefs, symbolism, and practices of the late 15th century. It serves as both a historical artifact and a work of art that reflects the period's cultural and spiritual context.

The Middleham Jewel is a remarkable piece that links history, religion, and art, providing a glimpse into the beliefs and customs of its time.

Middleham JewelMiddleham Jewel

UP