Heraldic chain with pendant badge

Michael Botza

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520

The pendant on this elaborate chain is enameled with the arms of Lutheran Elector Christian II, who ruled Saxony from 1591 to 1611. It also bears the mottoes A deo pro imperio, meaning from God for the defense of the empire, and Time deum, honora caesarum, fear God, honor the emperor. Several versions of this chain and badge survive, made for members of Christian II’s inner circle and so intimate that they were sometimes buried with their recipients.

Heraldic chain with pendant badge, Michael Botza (active 1592–1633), Partly enameled gold, pearl, German, Dresden

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