North America, New Spain, The Californias, Spanish Colonial Period, ca. 18th century CE. A lovely pair of brass religious medallions, each presenting an ovoid form with relief decoration enveloped in a rich russet patina. Displaying a suspension loop that rises from its top, the first pendant features the relief of Saint Didacus of Alcala - a Spanish Franciscan lay brother more commonly known as San Diego who served in the first group of missionaries to the Canary Islands - on one side and Saint Francis of Assisi - founder of the Franciscan Order - on the other. An inscription in Spanish surrounds San Diego, spelling out his name, while liberal remains of a Latin inscription that now says "ORA PRO N" meaning "pray for us" encircles Saint Francis. Size of largest (San Diego / Saint Francis medal, though both similar in size): 1.3" W x 1.8" H (3.3 cm x 4.6 cm); size of frame (both the same): 2.8" W x 2.8" H (7.1 cm x 7.1 cm)

Alternatively, the second medal is pierced with a drill hole for suspension and showcases 2 figures resembling Mary with a crucified Jesus - also known as the Pieta scene - on one side, while a standing figure with hands on hips possibly wearing a helmet is shown on the other.

Saint Didacus or San Diego was an important saint in New Spain as the first Franciscan mission in the Californias was named form him, Mission San Diego de Alcala, which was founded in 1769, and is likely where these medals originated. The mission was developed into the present-day city of San Diego, California and also became home to the first vineyards planted in California.

Provenance: private Kansas, USA collection, acquired via descent from family in Jalisco, Mexico ca. the 1940s, and imported into the US in the 1970s and 1980s

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#171526

Both have some nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and wearable with liberal remains of detail and rich patina throughout.