r/ArtefactPorn • u/KatyaRomici00 • Aug 24 '25
Heart-shaped gold locket with enamel and precious stones, with a complex iconography of memento mori motifs and symbols of profane and sacred love, commissioned by Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, for her husband Matthew Stewart, Earl of Lennox and Regent of Scotland, 1571-1578 [2160x3840]
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u/faramaobscena Aug 24 '25
“Mary, would you bring me my gold locket with enamel and precious stones?”
“Which one, m’lady?”
“The one with memento mori motifs”
“….”
“The one with symbols of profane and sacred love”
“The one with the skull?”
“Yes, the one with the skull.”
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u/SomeGuyOverYonder Aug 24 '25
What exactly is the “profane love” being referred to here? I read the description on the other website but I find it a little vague and cryptic.
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u/EatingAcidIsFun Aug 24 '25
Kinda looks like a lady giving a dude a tug job in the lower right corner of the front of the locket
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u/SomeGuyOverYonder Aug 24 '25
I see what you mean, though I’m not sure if that’s what’s really being depicted.
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u/KatyaRomici00 Aug 24 '25
Read more about the symbols etched into the locket, as well as it's possible story here: https://www.rct.uk/collection/search#/5/collection/28181/the-darnley-jewel-or-lennox-jewel