MT020 Vintage Margot de Taxco rare sterling silver pendant necklace, circa-1950s
Origin: Taxco, Mexico
Dimensions: chain 15.5"L x .38" W; pendant 2.25" diameter; 116.4 gm
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: Pendant to be published in Penny Morrill’s upcoming book on Margot van Voorhies Carr – Margot de Taxco
Price: SOLD

Symbolism was Margot’s forte. This exquisite piece tells a most romantic tale: how Poseidon, king of the sea, wooed and won his bride Amphitrite using a massive charm offensive by his buddy, Delphinus the Dolphin. You can see that Margot has placed the constellation Delphinus between the two lovers, symbolizing his role as go-between.

The story goes like this. King Poseidon was attended by a court of 50 comely sea nymphs called the Nereids. When Poseidon sought a wife, he chose from the Nereids because he wanted his consort to be accustomed to the sea. His first choice was Thetis, but then Poseidon learned about a prophecy that said the son Thetis would bear would become greater than his father. Obviously, that wouldn't do! (Thetis later married a mortal and bore Achilles). Poseidon's second choice was a sister of Thetis' named Amphitrite, who spurned his advances and ran far away to the Atlas mountains. Poseidon sent emissaries to woo her back, among them Delphinus the dolphin. Delphinus so charmed Amphitrite that she came back, married Poseidon and became Queen of the Sea ... a far nicer fate than becoming Chicken of the Sea.

Margot's artistic genius perfectly captures the drama. A crowned Poseidon faces Amphitrite in stern majesty. He doesn't understand why she has rejected him! Amphitrite's eyes are closed, symbolizing her initial reluctance to become his wife. Placed between these two figures as the constellation that bears his name, Delphinus both separates and unites the two lovers ... Before, and Happily Ever After, as it were.

The Huntress has a feeling this might have been custom-made for a client ... a long distance love affair? Maybe someone hoping to woo or win someone back? Perhaps this lovely piece played a key role in the wooing ... something of a love token. Whatever its past, this piece bears an enchanting aura of mystery and romance.