Probably Italian work from the 19th century - Lot 5

Probably Italian work from the 19th century Important bracelet in yellow gold 750‰ composed of five circular links in polychrome micro-mosaic representing Christian symbols: a stag, a lamb, a dolphin, a Chrism and a dove with a branch, all on a blue and starry night blue background, the motifs linked together by grooved oblong and grooved oval links. Ratchet clasp. Length: 19.5cm. Diameter of circular motifs: 2.5cm. P. Gross weight: 52.9g. (Minor chips, some dents on the reverse). Presented in a S. J. Phillips Ltd, London presentation box. The virtuosity of the micro-mosaic work echoes the antiquisant and "archaeological" pieces produced by the Italian Maison CASTELLANI in the second half of the 19th century. It is interesting to note that each of the motifs represented on this bracelet symbolically refers to Christ. The stag, a discreet but deeply significant symbol, is associated in mythology with victory over evil: capable of devouring snakes, it appears as a conqueror of demons. In the Middle Ages, scenes of deer hunting took on an allegorical dimension, evoking the Passion of Christ, who sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind. This idea of redemptive sacrifice is also reflected in the figure of the Mystic Lamb, symbolizing the Good Shepherd and the sacrificial victim of the Passover. Similarly, the dolphin, considered in mythology to be the king of fishes, refers directly to the symbol of recognition of the first Christians. Added to this iconography is the chrism, formed of the Greek letters ? and ?, one of the oldest monograms of Christ. Finally, the dove completes this symbolic ensemble, embodying the Holy Spirit within the Christian Trinity.