Belt Plate Fragment
Unknown Artist
500–700
Medium
Iron, silver and brass inlay
Dimensions
Overall: 2 7/8 x 1 1/4 x 3/16 in. (7.3 x 3.2 x 0.5 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Iron
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.117
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Belt Plate Fragment, dating to the Frankish period between 500 and 700 CE, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of early medieval Europe. Crafted by an unknown artisan from the Frankish culture—likely the Merovingian dynasty that dominated Gaul (modern-day France and surrounding regions)—this small iron piece (just 2 7/8 x 1 1/4 inches) once adorned a belt, a key accessory for warriors and elites symbolizing status and readiness for battle. The artwork's standout feature is its sophisticated metalwork: a sturdy iron base enhanced with intricate silver and brass inlays. T...