Plaque with Christ In Majesty
Unknown Artist
14th century
Medium
Basse taille enamel, silver
Dimensions
Overall: 2 3/8 x 2 1/2 x 1/16 in. (6.1 x 6.3 x 0.1 cm)
Classification
Enamels-Basse taille
Culture
Catalan
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.975
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the delicate *Plaque with Christ in Majesty*, a 14th-century treasure from Catalonia, crafted by an unknown artist using the basse-taille enamel technique on silver ground. Measuring a mere 2⅜ × 2½ inches, this intimate artwork depicts Christ enthroned in glory—a classic motif of medieval Christian iconography symbolizing his eternal kingship and judgment. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art department (gift of J. Pierpont, 1917), it exemplifies the refined artistry of Catalan workshops during a golden age of Gothic influence. Basse-taille enamel, translating to "low-cut," i...