Heraldic chain with pendant badge

Michael Botza

early 17th century · Partly enameled gold, pearl · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The pendant on this elaborate chain is enameled with the arms of Lutheran Elector Christian II, who ruled Saxony from 1591 to 1611. It also bears the mottoes A deo pro imperio, meaning from God for the defense of the empire, and Time deum, honora caesarum, fear God, honor the emperor. Several versions of this chain and badge survive, made for members of Christian II’s inner circle and so intimate that they were sometimes buried with their recipients.

Artist

Michael Botza

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Partly enameled gold, pearl

Culture

German, Dresden

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917