Featured Old Pendant of Mary (?)

Recently found this at a second-hand store in Virginia and was wondering if anyone could shed some light on who is represented in the pendant and what timeframe it might have been produced. It appears to be a young "Mary" but it's hard to make out what is in her arms.. my friend suggested baby Jesus, but it looks like a small donkey to me..(???) Also, there is a nice floral pattern on the reverse and the pendent itself is large and ornate, and appears to be made of silver. The locket is 2" x 1.25" in size. If anyone has some insights, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!!!

 

It looks like a reliquary. Something along the lines of this. Can it be opened? Are you sure that's a floral pattern on the back? (It like a pomegranate to my eye.)

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...th-a-gilt-silver-frame-and-a-335-c-55349f39c7

Debora

 

If the female figure is holding a lidded jar, could be Mary Magdalen. And if her, could be French.

 

I think I see hooves. Perhaps a lamb?

Debora

 

I see the critter too !

 

Not Mary, she’d be in blue. I think the mary Magdalen thought is a good one, she’s often depicted wearing scarlet.

 

Thanks Debra, excellent analysis... Honestly, I have no idea what is depicted on the reverse if it is a floral pattern or a pomegranate. If it is a pomegranate, would there be any special significance..? Also, unsure as to what a "reliquary" is! Have to look this stuff up! Cool! Thanks for your insights, Debra!!!

 

Thanks OBB, I thought so as well, but my Catholic friends informed me that Mary has been painted in red as well as blue in the past. Excellent observation! Thanks!

 

Thanks Komokwa! Agreed... Glad my eyes aren't as blind as I first assumed!

 

Thanks Debra, looks like a small animal to me as well...

 

Excellent, Thanks for the info, Bronwen!

 

Both a lamb and a pomegranate have symbolic meaning in Christian art. Lamb = Christ. Pomegranate = resurrection and everlasting life.

Debora

 

Cool! Thanks Debra! Love all you smart folks!!!

 

Oh yeah, tried to open it, but I don't see a lock mechanism or a hinge that would indicate it would open.... It is a little strange that the charm is thick, but there is nothing inside except the two small pictures...

 

Another argument in the Magdalen v. Virgin question is that the figure is wearing her hair unbound & uncovered: typical of Mary M.; V. Mary only in allegorical portrayals of the Immaculate Conception.

I honestly cannot see an animal there, my eyes are locked into a jar, but if that's what it is, a symbol of innocence &, as Debora has said, of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Is there any trace of a halo?

 

Small reliquary like this are often made that the back comes off like the lid of a box or tin. I think it is a reliquary and possibly the item in the back is fabric that could possibly have come in contact with the Saint depicted.

 

Anyone have an estimate as to age? (I wouldn't dare.)

Debora

 

Wow! I'll give it another look! Thanks Balto Joe!!

 

Thanks Bronwen... The area above her head is too damaged to see a halo, however I think you are onto something with the jar or jug in her left hand, I grabbed a magnifier and brighter light and took a couple more additional pics which I will throw into the mix here. Excellent analysis, Bronwen!