The saddled horse, that once had a figure of Cupid sitting on its saddle, is set on one side with rubies and on the other with emeralds and hung with pearls.
There is a charming detail in its making: the raised leg is hinged so that when moved, the horse appears to be pawing the air, height 8.3cm.
The 1690 Devonshire Schedule which recorded a huge bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), listed under the heading ‘Jewels’: ‘A Cupid on horseback in Gold enameld with a gold Chaine sett with rubies & diamonds and three pendant pearls.’
