Art Funded by you

Hockley pendant

Unknown artist, 1500–1550

The pendant is engraved on the front with a standing female saint (probably the Virgin Mary) holding a cross spattered with blood. The saint stands on a chequerboard design, probably indicating a tiled floor or pavement. The reverse of the pendant is engraved with the five wounds of Christ. Around the edge is an inscription consisting of the names of the three wise men - Jasper, Melchior and Balthasar. These words were credited with healing powers as a charm against fever and the falling-down sickness (now identified as epilepsy). The reliquary is a rare survival of pre-Reformation English devotional jewellery. The engravings demonstrate how devotion to the Virgin at the time was inextricably linked with images of the suffering Christ, represented symbolically rather than figuratively through the blood and wounds and the cross of the crucifixion. The use of images of the intense suffering of Christ held particular sway in England from the fourteenth century due to the writings of mystics such as Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton and Julian of Norwich. This pendant was featured in the ITV series 'Britain's Buried Treasure' in July 2012 as one of the fifty most important archaeological finds made by the British public.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Hockley pendant, 1500–1550

Date supported

2012

Medium and material

Gold & silver & copper

Dimensions

3.3 x 2.5 cm

Grant

20000

Total cost

70000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.