Medal pendant Jesus Christ BECKER Enamel plique-à-jour, Gold

Important antique yellow gold solid 18K (750 mils) circular pendant medal, stamped with an eagle's head guarantee mark. French Art Nouveau work from the early 20th century, signed BECKER. It depicts Jesus Christ revealing his radiant Sacred Heart, very finely chased with beautiful relief and fine details. The surround is a stained-glass window in blue and green plique-à-jour enamel. Christ's halo is in red enamel. No engraving on the reverse. Edmond Becker, born in Paris (1871-1971), entered the sculpture section of the Salon des Artistes Français from the age of twenty, but it was the 1900 exhibition that brought him recognition at the Boucheron stand (Gold Medal). For many years, he devoted himself exclusively to medals, of which he became the leading specialist in Paris. His medals are distinguished by their finesse of execution and rendering of expression (source: 'Médailles Becker'). Height incl. setting: 2.9 cm Diameter: 2.15 cm Weight: 4.19 g Condition : Good, with light micro-scratches and some wear to the relief on Christ's nose. The enamel is cracked in several places and missing in the lower left. This rare collector's medal is beautifully crafted, with fine, fine decoration. Plique-à-jour is an enamel technique similar to cloisonné, but without a metallic background, so that light can filter through the transparent or translucent enamel. The result is a stained-glass effect. This technique is virtually no longer used, as it is complex, takes a long time to complete (over four months per object) and has a high failure rate. Moreover, it has not been passed down through the generations of silversmiths. Prompt, careful shipment in a new case with invoice (the presentation case pictured is not part of the sale). Sold without chain.