bavarikon4UDescription
In 1589, Elector Christian I of Saxony (1560-1591, ruled since 1586) donated a golden jewel with special symbolism: the so-called "Golden Society". The Elector lent this pendant to Protestant princes and nobles to assure their loyalty. Both Count Palatine Friedrich of Palatinate-Zweibrücken-Vohenstrauß-Parkstein (1557-1597), who this specimen belonged to, and his elder brother Otto Heinrich of Palatinate-Sulzbach (1556-1604) were buried with the society chain in the Lauingen royal crypt.
The central motif of the "Golden Society" is a red enamelled heart crossed by an arrow and a sword. On one side it shows the personification of constancy, "CO(N)STA(N)TIA", with waving veil and anchor, on the other side faith, "FIDES", with chalice, cross and the Mosaic tablets of commandments. The pendant can be turned over using a "swivel" (rotating eyelet). Around the heart on both sides is the inscription "VIRTUTIS AMORE 1589" (For the Love of Virtue) and in a second banner "QUI PERSEVERAVERIT USQUE AD FINEM SALVUS ERIT" (He who perseveres to the end will be saved). The banner closes at the top with the motif of the "mani in fede" (hands in fidelity). The pendant is framed by coloured enamelled tail work and little flowers as well as the motto of Elector Christian I of Saxony "F(IDE)S(ED)V(IDE)" (Trust but see). The jewel hangs from three chains that converge in an elector’s hat. This stands for the founder’s status, who had all his convictions represented here in the smallest of spaces.