Fifteen Links Mounted as a Necklace

c. 1550–c. 1600

Italian

The symmetrical, openwork scrolls on eight links of this chain, or necklace, are likely based on engraving patterns that circulated among goldsmiths. As evidenced by countless Renaissance portraits, richly patterned chains like this example were integral embellishments to costly costume. Draped across the bust of a man or a woman and sometimes used to suspend a pendant, chains were an undeniable indication of wealth and status.

Status: On View, Gallery 238
Department: Applied Arts of Europe

Title: Fifteen Links Mounted as a Necklace
Place: Italy (Object made in)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: 1550–1600
Medium: Gold, enamel, diamonds, and pearls
Dimensions: H.: 53 cm (20 7/8 in.); At widest point: W.: 2.1 cm (1 13/16 in.)
Credit Line: Bequest of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection
Reference Number: 2019.1232
IIIF Manifest The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world. Learn more.: https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/210854/manifest.json

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.