A 14ct gold crucifix pendant on chain by Louis Osman, 1977, the oval pendant slightly concave and depicting a stylised Corpus Christi, with 14 further raised dots around the outside, seven to each side, the reverse applied with wirework initials‘CJ’, suspended from a square section fetter and belcher-link chain, hallmarked London 1977, with maker’s mark ‘LO’, pendant dimensions 22 x 17.5mm, necklace length 52cm. £1,200-£1,500


Please note ARR will apply to this lot (Artist’s Resale Rights).

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Louis Osman: The Jenkins Family Collection.

View
Collection

Given by Mr and Mrs Jenkins to their younger daughter Claire on the occasion of her confirmation; personalised with her initials ‘CJ’ to the reverse.

The seven dots to either side of the pendant represent the seven deadly sins (pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth) to be avoided and the counterbalancing seven heavenly virtues (chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility) to be attained/demonstrated.
The correspondence between Louis and Dorothy Jenkins that accompanies this piece gives an amusing illustration that Louis’ talents lay most decidedly in the creative sphere and not in book keeping or administration. He enquires: “Did I ask you the usual 50% on Claire’s little cross […]: I can’t remember & didn’t keep a note –– but I’ve had ideas & this is under way : so if I didn’t I’d be glad of it : but if I did and you have already paid me say ‘How tiresome he is’, and throw this away“. (21 January 1977)



Exhibited:
In Celebration of Gold and Silver: An exhibition of exquisite jewellery and magnificent silver made during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, a Goldsmiths’ Company exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall, May - July 2002, exhibition catalogue no. 98.

A copy of this exhibition catalogue accompanies this lot together with further related correspondence.