Plaque with Adoration of the Shephards

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 15th-century French plaque, created by the enamelist Monvaerni, the tender biblical moment of the Adoration of the Shepherds. Rendered in painted enamel on copper, the small devotional object measures just over four inches tall, making it ideal for personal prayer or as part of a larger altarpiece. The scene features the Christ Child at its center, surrounded by angels and humble shepherds, rendered with delicate lines and luminous colors that highlight the sacred event’s intimacy and joy. Painted enamel technique, a specialty of French workshops during this period, allowed artists like Monvaerni to achieve rich, jewel-like effects on a durable metal surface. Fused through multiple firings, the enamel creates a smooth, vibrant finish that has preserved the plaque’s details remarkably well over centuries. As a work from the Metropolitan Museum’s Medieval Art collection, it reflects the deep religious devotion of late medieval France, where such portable enamels brought biblical stories into everyday spiritual life. Acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 1945, this piece exemplifies how skilled craftsmanship transformed humble copper into a lasting treasure of faith and artistry.