Reliquary tableau: Saint Genevieve

This reliquary pendant, made in Paris around 1380-1390, contained about fifty relics, including a fragment of the True Cross and a relic of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. It represents the famous scene in which an angel relights the candle that a demon has just put out.

This work, which combines subtlety, refinement and elegance, is believed to have belonged to Madame de Maintenon, who is said to have received it from King Louis XIV.

The goldsmith’s work is incredibly fine and combines the most subtle goldsmithery techniques of the time: translucent enamels on basse-taille and fine "punched" chasing.