Rectangular Plaque

Art Historical Context

This delicate Rectangular Plaque, crafted by an unknown Frankish artist between 500 and 700 CE, exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of the early Middle Ages. Measuring just 1 x 3/4 x 5/16 inches, tiny copper alloy piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art collection was likely used as a decorative mount, brooch, harness fitting—common in Frankish society during the Merovingian era, when the Franks dominated much of western Europe. Copper alloy was a favored medium for its malleability and corrosion resistance, allowing artisans to employ techniques like casting, hammering, and possibly engraving or inlaying to create functional yet ornate objects. These plaques reflect the Frankish blend of Germanic traditions and emerging Christian influences, bridging the late Roman world and the medieval period. Such small-scale works highlight the skill of itinerant craftsmen who produced items for elite burials, personal adornment, or religious use. A generous gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917, this plaque invites us to ponder the daily artistry of early medieval life—portable treasures that traveled with their owners across a transforming Europe.