Loop to pendent of Duke Casimir VI/IX (1557-1605)

The silver buckle belongs to a set of belts and baldric fittings, excavated from the crypt of the Castle Church in Szczecin, from the sarcophagus of the Pomeranian Duke Barnim X (XII) (1549-1603) or his brother Casimir VII (IX) (1557-1605). It is an interesting example of using architectural forms in goldsmith crafts. The architectonisation of goldsmith compositions is well-known from the Middle Ages, both for jewellery and liturgical vessels, but it does not seem obvious in modern art.The author of this small work (probably Egidius Blancke, a court goldsmith for the dukes of Szczecin) used the motif of an antique balustrade baluster. Despite its small size, it has been carefully composed to resemble late Renaissance architectural stonework found in Central Europe. The impression is reinforced by the flat, almost graphic way of arranging the ornamental decoration. Particularly interesting are the plant motifs decorating the baluster's body, namely, a stylised lily and quatrefoil inscribed in vertical stripes, which give it slenderness. In turn, the upper and lower parts of the baluster are composed of several horizontal elements covered with continuous ornaments, which contrast with the vertical divisions of the belly. In this way, the artist created a composition in miniature consisting of balanced vertical and horizontal elements, giving the effect of harmony.

Monika Frankowska-Makała