The Piece Inspired by Godfried Schalcken's "Young Woman Playing a Cittern"
THE SCHALCKEN RING
THE SCHALCKEN RING The Piece Inspired by Godfried Schalcken's "Young Woman Playing a Cittern"
For Masterly The Hague, a prestigious exhibition where contemporary design is presented in dialogue with Dutch Old Masters, Daniel Moesker created the Schalcken Ring. The piece reflects his precise craftsmanship and contemporary approach to jewellery, drawing inspiration from Dutch art history. It was first presented at the exhibition within one of The Hague’s historic venues, forming a subtle dialogue between heritage and modern design.
INSPIRATION
Schalcken, Godefridus
1643 - 1706
Young woman playing a cittern
INSPIRATION
Schalcken, Godefridus
1643 - 1706
Young woman playing a cittern
Young Woman Playing a Cittern reflects a mastery of intimate, candlelit scenes and refined domestic interiors. Positioned between portrait and genre painting, it may depict an idealised version of his wife, Françoise van Diemen, with subtle erotic undertones suggested through music and setting.
Celebrated for his meticulous technique and luminous handling of light, he worked for patrons including William III of England. The painting is in the collection of Museum Bredius in The Hague.
MAKING OF THE RING
Daniel drew his inspiration from the distinctive sleeve of the young woman in the painting, with its soft, sculptural folds in delicate shades of white and blue. Translating this form into jewellery, he began with a hand-drawn design and crafted the solid base, layering elements on top to capture the sleeve’s dimensionality and gentle structure.
The ring was realized in 18 kt white and rose gold and set with 598 pave‑set sapphires and diamonds. Each stone was carefully selected and colour‑graded to reflect the nuanced tones of the sleeve, the interplay of shadow, light, and colour that Schalcken rendered so masterfully. The sculpted upper form evokes the sleeve’s texture and volume, giving the piece a lifelike presence and a direct dialogue with the painting.
Making initial creative sketches to envision the piece
Handcrafting the solid ring, grading and choosing stones, preparing for setting
Setting stones and completing the piece before the final reveal
Making initial creative sketches to envision the piece
THE REVEAL
The Schalcken Ring brings the painted sleeve of "Young Woman Playing a Cittern" to life in three dimensions. Its sculpted form captures the subtle volume, folds, and nuances of the fabric, creating a sense of movement and presence on the finger. The piece stands as a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship, where inspiration from a single detail becomes a striking, wearable statement.