Plate, Woman Holding Bird and Inscription

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 15th-century brass, hailing from the Netherlands, showcases the refined metalworking traditions of the Late Medieval period. Measuring 16 x 1¾ inches, it features a graceful woman holding a bird, accompanied by an inscription—likely a poetic or moral motto common in Netherlandish decorative arts. Crafted by an unknown artist, the piece exemplifies the era's skilled brass repoussé and engraving techniques, where thin sheets of metal were hammered and incised to create intricate, low-relief designs that catch the light beautifully. In the prosperous Low Countries, brass objects l...