Plaque with the Crucifixion
Unknown Artist
first quarter 13th century
Medium
Copper (plaque): chased, engraved, stippled, and gilt; Champlevé enamel, Figures are applied and gilt; background: turquoise bands with reserved circles and colored rosettes on dark blue ground; colors: red, green, yellow. blue, gray-blue, white.
Dimensions
Overall: 6 5/8 x 6 3/4 x 5/8 in. (16.8 x 17.1 x 1.6 cm)
Classification
Enamels-Champlevé
Culture
French
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.781
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Plaque with the Crucifixion*, by an unknown French artist in the quarter of the 13 century, captures a pivotal moment in Christian iconography: Christ on the cross, flanked by sorrowful Virgin Mary and mourning angels. Measuring just over 6 inches square, this intimate devotional object from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art collection viewers into the emotional intensity of the Crucifixion, a central theme in medieval religious art symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. Crafted in copper, the plaque showcases masterful champlevé enamel techniques—troughs carved int...