Dish
Unknown Artist
early 16th century
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Overall: 16 1/8 x 1 3/4 in. (41 x 4.5 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Brass
Culture
German
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of W. L. Hildburgh, 1932
Accession Number
32.64.31
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant brass dish, crafted by an unknown German artist in the 16th century, the fine metalwork traditions of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. Measuring 16 1/8 x 1 3/4 inches (41 x 4.5 cm), it was likely designed for both practical use—such as serving food—and decorative display in affluent households. The choice of brass, a durable and malleable alloy of copper and zinc, allowed artisans to create intricate designs through techniques like engraving or repoussé, showcasing their skill in transforming everyday objects into art. A key feature is its decoration centered on g...