Plaque with Christ in Majesty

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Plaque with Christ in*, a captivating French enamel work from the 19th century or modern, now housed in the Museum of Art's Medieval department. This intimate plaque (9 1/8 x 4 3/4 x 3/8 in.) depicts Christ enthroned in glory, surrounded by adoring angels—a timeless Christian iconography symbolizing divine authority and heavenly splendor. Though created by an unknown artist, it evokes the devotional art of earlier eras, likely as part of the Gothic Revival movement that romanticized medieval craftsmanship. Crafted in champlevé enamel on copper, the piece showcases a venerable technique originating in 12th-century Limoges workshops. Here, channels are carved into the copper base, filled with vibrant glass enamels, and fired to create durable, jewel-like colors. This method allowed for intricate designs with glowing translucency, making enamels prized for religious objects like plaques, reliquaries, and altar pieces. Its placement in the Medieval Art collection highlights how 19th-century artisans revived these skills to honor—and perhaps nostalgically recreate—France's enamel heritage. Gifted to the Met in 1917 by J. Pierpont Morgan, this plaque invites visitors to ponder the enduring allure of medieval-inspired faith art, bridging centuries with its radiant depiction of celestial majesty.