Silver Plaque with Papal Heraldic Cameo

17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.

7 in. (176 grams, 17.5 cm).

A carved agate coat of arms within a lapis lazuli plaque, held in a silver canatille frame comprising elaborate filigree foliage and with suspension loop; arms of Pope Alexander VII (1655-1667).

Provenance

Private collection, England.

Footnotes

Pope Alexander VII was born Fabio Chigi and took the role of head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death, in May 1667. He held a number of diplomatic positions in the Holy See, was ordained in 1634, and became bishop of Nardo in 1635. Pope Innocent X elevated him to the role of secretary of state in 1651, and in the following year he was appointed a cardinal. Alexander VII supported various construction projects in Rome, wrote poetry and patronized artists working on the decoration of churches.

CONDITION

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LOT 2105