Openwork Plaque
Unknown Artist
middle of 6th century
Medium
Copper alloy, "tinned" surface
Dimensions
Overall: 2 3/16 x 15/16 x 1/16 in. (5.5 x 2.4 x 0.2 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper alloy
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.259
Art Historical Context
This delicate Openwork Plaque, crafted by an unknown Frankish artist in mid-6th century, exemplifies the metalworking skills of the early Merovingian period. Measuring just over 2 inches long and remarkably thin at 1/16 inch, it was fashioned from copper alloy with a "tinned" surface—a where a thin layer of tin was applied to mimic the gleam of silver, making fine jewelry and ornaments accessible beyond elite goldsmiths. The openwork design, featuring intricate cutouts, allowed light to play through its patterns, enhancing its visual appeal in everyday or ceremonial use. Hailing from the Fran...