A poignant and beautifully crafted antique French pendant in 18K gold, depicting the Ange qui Pleure—the Weeping Angel of Amiens. This medallion features a contemplative cherub resting one elbow on a skull and gently touching an hourglass, classic memento mori symbols that reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the passage of time.
The design is inspired by a 17th-century funerary sculpture by Nicolas Blasset, created for the tomb of Canon Guilain Lucas (d. 1628) in the Amiens Cathedral. Over time, this tender, sorrowful angel became an enduring symbol of remembrance and grief—especially resonant during World War I, when it became a popular postcard among soldiers fighting on the Somme.
The medallion is inscribed with "D'après N. Blasset d'Amiens", acknowledging its artistic origin, along with the maker’s mark of Gaudin & Dubray, a Parisian foundry known for producing a variety of items, including medals, religious art, and silver cutlery. They operated from 1901 to 1914 and their work often involved collaboration with artists and designers like Desvergnes and Nicolas Blasset.
A deeply symbolic and emotionally resonant piece, this pendant is more than jewellery—it’s a tribute to memory, impermanence, and the enduring beauty of art and mourning.
MEASUREMENTS AND DETAILS
- Metal: 18K Rose and Yellow Gold (Verified by Auracle tester)
- Gross Weight: 1.16g
- Dimensions: 14.5 mm
HALLMARKS AND APPROXIMATE PERIOD
- French Eagle for 750 gold fineness
- Makers Mark Gaudin & Dubray
- Edwardian (1901-1910), Circa early 1900s
CONDITION
Overall wonderful, pre-owned, vintage condition, superficial surface wear commensurate with age.
ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE APPROXIMATE
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