Diptych with Scenes of the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Unknown Artist
1300–1325
Medium
Silver gilt with translucent and opaque enamels
Dimensions
Overall (opened): 2 3/8 x 3 3/8 x 5/16 in. (6.1 x 8.6 x 0.8 cm) Overall (Closed): 2 3/8 x 1 3/4 x 1/2 in. (6.1 x 4.5 x 1.2 cm)
Classification
Enamels-Translucent
Culture
German
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Ruth Blumka, 1980
Accession Number
1980.366
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite diptych, crafted by an unknown German artist between 1300 and1325, unfolds to reveal four pivotal scenes from the life of Christ: the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Adorning its silver-gilt panels are translucent and opaque enamels a luxurious technique where finely ground glass colors are fused to metal, creating vibrant, jewel-like hues that glow with light. Measuring just 2⅜ x 3⅜ inches when open—small enough to fit in a palm—this portable devotional object was likely designed for personal prayer, reflecting the growing popularity of intimate religious ...