Nyx

A most extraordinary French pendant, circa 1860. The pendant is 18 carat textured gold with Rococo curlicues and contains an enamel portrait of the goddess, Nyx or Night. Nyx was a feared primordial goddess, mother of Hypnos [Sleep], Thanatos [Death] and the Tribe of Dreams. Here veiled Night is depicted with a diamond crescent moon on her forehead. The genius of night, [a guardian spirit in the form of a cherub], sprinkles poppies, the narcotic, sleep-inducing flowers in her hair. The genius has diamond wings. The scene is surmounted by a rose-cut diamond bow-ribbon and tendrils of natural pearls hang from the pendant in the pampille manner. It is 4 and 1/4 inches long and 2 and 3/4 inches wide. Such a beautiful little work of art.

sold

Night with Her Train of Stars by Edward Robert Hughes [1912]