Plate

Art Historical Context

This magnificent brass plate, crafted around 1520 in Nuremberg, Germany, exemplifies the city's renowned tradition of masterful metalwork during the Renaissance. Measuring an impressive 20½ inches in diameter, it a prime example of *dinanderie*—a technique of hammering and chasing thin brass sheets to create intricate relief designs. Nuremberg workshops were hubs of innovation in decorative arts, producing finely wrought objects for both ecclesiastical and secular use, blending Gothic flourishes with emerging Renaissance naturalism. The plate's surface features delicate motifs of flowers and a prominent coat of arms, likely commemorating a noble family or guild patron. These repoussé elements showcase the artisan's skill in manipulating metal to achieve depth and texture, evoking abundance and status. Such pieces were prized in affluent households, serving as both functional dishware and symbols of prestige. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department (gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964), this anonymous work highlights Nuremberg's enduring legacy in brass craftsmanship, bridging utility and artistry in early modern Europe.