Lot 1011
A Viking silver gilt pendant in the shape of a Valkyrie, 10th century
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A108kua | Live auction | 1169 Lots
Hammer price € 2,500
Show related lotsDescription
In the flat relief, a depiction of a Valkyrie facing to the left, dressed in long robes reaching down to her ankles. The robes decorated with vertical rows of dots between smooth areas and a zigzag border at the bottom. The feet are visible below the border. Her long hair falling over her shoulder down onto the back. Her left hand holding a round shield decorated with concentric circles, arranged to form a cross, and lines in the interspaces. Her right hand brandishing a sword that protrudes from behind the shield. Partially rubbed gilding on the front. A crosspiece with perforation on the back to attach the pendant. Height 3.5 cm. An XRF analysis of the elements in the alloy corresponds to the expected composition (96.7% Ag; 2.4% Cu; 0.13 Au; 0.13 Pb, 0.06% Zn; traces of tin and arsenic). The surface gilding showed clear traces of mercury, which is consistent with the ancient technique of fire gilding. CULTURAL ASSETProvenance: South German private collection, inherited from the consignor's father in the late 1990s.
Condition: II Questions about the lot?
