The convex side of this exquisite early piece has enamelling en basse taille in bright red, blue, green and yellow depicting the prophet Elijah in his chariot with Elisha before the River Jordan.
The concave side has translucent enamel en ronde bosse depicting Jonah and the Whale, 3.5cm high.
This is typical of the French way of covering a pendant or other goldsmithing element at this time.
The 1690 Devonshire Schedule is an inventory listing a huge bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703).
Under the heading ‘Gold Things’ appears: ‘Jonas in the Whales Belly being a hollow Gold plate Enamel’d with Green the top of some Case’.
