Maria Portinari Necklace replica

This is my interpretation of the necklace worn by Maria Portinari in the portrait by Hans Memling in tempera and oil on oak panel. c. 1470–72

 

It portrays Maria Maddalena Baroncelli, about whom very little is known. She is about 14 years old, and depicted shortly before her wedding to the Italian banker, Tommaso Portinari. Maria is dressed in the height of late fifteenth-century fashion, with a long black hennin with a transparent veil and an elaborate jewel-studded necklace. Her headdress is similar and a necklace identical to those in her depiction in Hugo van der Goes's later Portinari Altarpiece.

 

I have made the necklace with gold plated findings, hand painted with red, black and white enamel. There are crystal ouches at the centre of each piece adorned with ceramic half pearls. The top of the necklace is joined with black glass pearls and from the bottom hang resin glittered drop gems.

 

The necklace will come in The Enchanted Tudor Rose gift box.