“Mistralienne” cross
Pendant in the shape of a cross known as “mistralienne”. This model appeared at the end of the 19th century, embodying what might be called the “Provençal revival” instigated by Frédéric Mistral (1830-1914). This Nobel Prize winner in Literature (in 1904) was indeed particularly attached to his region and eager to recover, in his native land, the regional identity of times past. He would write: “to raise up, to revive in Provence […]; to stir this renaissance through the restoration of the country’s natural and historic language […]; to bring provençal back into vogue through the breath and flame of divine poetry.”
Our jewel thus belongs to this movement for the renewal of regional jewellery production in Provence. This cross could take fairly free forms, but was often distinguished by the presence of openwork gold sections and scrollwork. More rarely, pearls accompanied the stones.
Late 19th century, Provence.
Gold, pearls, garnets.
Height: 6 cm
Width: 3.5 cm
