Rectangular Plaque
Unknown Artist
Middle of the 6th century
Medium
Copper alloy, gold foil inlay, glass paste
Dimensions
Overall: 2 3/16 x 1 3/16 x 1/4 in. (5.5 x 3 x 0.6 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper alloy
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.279
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Rectangular Plaque, crafted by an unknown Frankish artist in the mid-6th century, a glimpse into the sophisticated metalworking of the Merovingian. Measuring just 2 3/16 x 1 3/16 inches, this tiny treasure from early medieval Gaul (modern-day France and Germany) likely adorned a belt, casket, or personal accessory, reflecting the Franks' rise as a dominant force in post-Roman Europe under kings like Clovis and his successors. Forged from copper alloy and enriched with gold foil inlays and vibrant glass paste, the plaque showcases advanced techniques inherited from Roman traditi...