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The Virgin Mary Collection
All the items in this collection represent the Nordic Middle Ages, c. AD 1030 to c. AD 1536. Such items were more than simply jewellery or trinkets – they were in the nature of amulets. Below we give a brief account of medieval symbolism and inscriptions.
Symbolism and magic. An amulet could protect its bearer on journeys, against disease, accidents and other evil.
Motifs. Many trinkets and other items of jewellery had religious motifs related to Christ, the Virgin Mary or other saints, men as well as women. Important Christian symbols include roses, rosaries, lilies, stars and the crucifix.
Inscriptions. Runes and inscriptions occur on many pieces of medieval jewellery. We find biblical texts, benedictions, as well as declarations of love to individuals whose name is given. Symbols of magic, words of magic and various other formulae also occur frequently.
Colours. Blue was – and still is – the colour of heaven, and therefore it represents the Queen of Heaven, the Virgin Mary. Red was the colour of fire, love, vigour and vitality. Green represented life, health and healing; this was the colour of the Holy Spirit, of immortality and of Paradise.
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Prince Witzlav of Rügen, who was buried in the Church of St. Mary in Oslo, bore this ring. He was the father of Queen Euphemica, the wife of King Håkon V.
The words of the inscription – AVE MARIA GRACIA PLE – are, as we may read in the Gospel according to St. Luke – the very words used by the Archangel Gabriel in the Annunciation.
Original: A thirteenth-century silver ring, which may possibly have been gilded. It was ornamented with white quartz, and the inscription was carried out in niello.
Provenance: the chancel of the Church of St. Mary,
in medieval Oslo.
Silver and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver:Nok. 1260,- Gold: Nok. 7165,-
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The motif consists of hands bearing the Virgin’s crown – a theme we may also find in bridal symbolism. Sapphire is said to have magic properties, including that of making its owner loving and devout. It was also thought to help against disease and evil powers.
Original: a fourteenth or fifteenth century gold ring with a pale sapphire.
Provenance: Storhamar, Hamar in the county of Hedmark.
Silver-gilt and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver-gilt:Nok. 1530,- Gold: Nok. 11600,-
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Red stood for fire, blood and love. Red stones, such as that in this ring, were known as carbuncles. Red was the symbol of divine love, of the flames associated with the Holy Spirit, and of martyrdom.
Original: a gold ring from the thirteenth or the fourteenth century, with a red garnet.
Provenance: the site known as “the site of remembrance”, Clemensgt. 2, in medieval Oslo.
Silver-gilt and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver-gilt:Nok. 1100,- Gold:Nok. 7119,-
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The Latin inscription on this ring NIAG CnIVROmA * was meant to be cryptic. The first part stands for the name Inga. The rest, read backwards, comes to Amor vinc – part of a quotation from Virgil:“Omnia vincit amor” – “Love conquers all”.
Original: a gold ring with a dark sapphire, dating from the twelfth to the fourteenth century AD.
Provenance: Tjølling vicarage, Larvik, in the county of Vestfold.
Silver-gilt and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver-gilt:Nok. 2210,- Gold:Nok. 4710,-
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On the hoop of this ring there are six four-petalled roses or rosettes, alternating with seven almond-shaped fields.
Original: a thirteenth or the fourteenth century gold ring with a garnet.
Provenance: Lier, in the county of Buskerud.
Silver-gilt and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver-gilt:Nok. 945,- Gold:Nok. 4105,-
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This bead may have been either a button, or part of a piece of jewellery.
Original: silver bead with a loop attached.
Provenance: the farm Dæli, Stavsjø in Ringsaker,
in the county of Hedmark.
Silver and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
Silver:Nok. 485,- Gold:Nok. 1999,-
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The cross stands for the death of Christ, for the victory of Good over Evil. The first owner of this crucifix must surely have been aware of its ability to dispel evil.
Original: Gold pendant, c. AD 1300.
Provenance: Tromøy churchyard in Arendal,
in the county of Aust-Agder.
Silver-gilt and 18 carat gold copies are on sale.
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