Ornament

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 15th-century French, crafted in champlevé enamel on copper, exemplifies the technical brilliance of medieval metalwork. Measuring just 2 15/16 x 13/16 inches (7.5 x 2 cm), its petite scale suggests it was likely a piece of jewelry, perhaps a brooch or pendant. The champlevé techniquewhere troughs are carved into the copper base, filled with vibrant vitreous enamel, and fired to create a durable, colorful surface—was a hallmark of Gothic-era enameling in France, allowing artisans to achieve intricate designs with luminous jewel tones. Dating to the late Middle Ages, this piece r...