Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Marten's Head
(Renaissance Europe )
This jeweled marten's head is nearly identical to that attached to the fur held by the countess in Veronese's portrait of Countess da Porto (Walters 37.541). The animal was associated with childbirth, and wearing its fur was believed to increase a woman's fertility and protect her during pregnancy. Since antiquity, the marten had been thought to conceive through its ear or mouth (and therefore chastely). The dove on the creature's nose may be a symbol of the Holy Ghost and further allude to Mary's miraculous conception. This would add to the amulet's protective powers.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
John Hunt, Dublin, Ireland; Walters Art Museum, 1967, by exchange.
Exhibitions
| 2019 | Moroni: The Riches of Renaissance Portraiture (WT). The Frick Collection, New York. |
| 2006-2007 | At Home in Renaissance Italy. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. |
| 1998-2001 | Highlights from the Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1984-1985 | Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1979-1980 | Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1971-1972 | World of Wonder. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 11/2/2017 | Examination | Examined for loan |
| 11/2/2017 | Examination | The head is made by repousse and chasing the gold sheet. It is decorated with en ronde bosse or encrusted enamel work and set with seed pearls, ruby and garnets. The whiskers and pelt were attached in 2005 and are not original. |
Geographies
Italy, Venice (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 1 5/16 × L: 2 3/4 × W: 2 3/16 in. (3.4 × 7 × 5.5 cm)
Credit Line
Museum acquisition by exchange, 1967
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
57.1982
Do you have additional information?
Related Objects
