Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sacred Silver & Stained Glass, Room 83, The Whiteley Galleries

Plaque

ca. 1530 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plaque is part of a series showing scenes from the life of Christ. They would probably originally have been part of a large religious object such as a custodia. Custodias were particularly important in Spain at this period. They were often very large and designed not only to display communion wafers but to be paraded through the town during important processions such as the Corpus Christi celebrations. These plaques are thought to have been made by a goldsmith associated with Enrique de Arfe. De Arfe was one of the most successful Renaissance silversmiths in Spain. He trained in Cologne in Germany but spent much of his career on commissions for Spanish cathedrals.

This plaque shows Jesus kneeling in the river Jordan, being baptised by his cousin John the Baptist.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Parcel-gilt silver raised and chased
Brief description
Plaque, made in Léon, Spain around 1530.
Physical description
Silver plaque, square bottom with slightly protruding base and rounded top. Chased and pierced with a scene of the Baptism of Christ.
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.80cm
  • Width: 7.5cm
  • Depth: 0.3cm
Marks and inscriptions
(Unmarked)
Gallery label
Plaques Showing the Life Of Christ Each plaque shows a scene from the life and suffering of Christ. As well as telling the Christian story, these episodes were meant to inspire feelings of pity, gratitude and humility in the devout. The series is not complete and it is likely that the plaques came from a large object, now lost. Spain, about 1530; possibly by Enrique de Arfe (active about 1505–45) Silver, partly gilded Museum nos. M.510:1-12-1956(22/11/2005)
Credit line
Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest
Object history
Acquired by Dr Hildburgh from the Ole Olsen Collection, Copenhagen. A group of 23 plaques were mounted on an ebonised modern casket from which they were removed when acquired by the museum. Comparison with works in other collections suggests that they were made by a Spanish artist working under German influence, possibly Enrique de Arfe.
Historical context
Saints and Symbols
Like most religions, Christianity has a rich language of images and symbols. This iconography would have been clearly understood in the past but it may be less familiar to modern eyes.

Though often decorative, the symbols used on religious metalwork also refer to the function and significance of the objects. The contemplation of religious motifs can draw believers into a deeper understanding of their faith. Complex theological themes can be represented in a visual form. A chalice, for example, might be adorned with the tools used in the Crucifixion (the 'Instruments of the Passion') to direct the viewer's mind towards Christ's sacrifice and his death on the cross.

The use of images has caused controversy throughout Christian history. While supporters held that imagery glorified God and helped believers understand their faith better, critics attacked its use as superstition and idolatry.

Saints
Christians venerate saints as men and women who, through the holiness of their lives, became especially close to God. The saints include martyrs who suffered and died for their faith as well as great teachers and preachers. Their lives provide an example and inspiration for the faithful. Roman Catholics also believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God. In Christian iconography, saints are usually depicted with a distinctive object or 'attribute' associated with their martyrdom or works. For example, St Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, holds a flaying knife, and St George is shown with a dragon.
Production
In the style of Enrique de Arfe
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plaque is part of a series showing scenes from the life of Christ. They would probably originally have been part of a large religious object such as a custodia. Custodias were particularly important in Spain at this period. They were often very large and designed not only to display communion wafers but to be paraded through the town during important processions such as the Corpus Christi celebrations. These plaques are thought to have been made by a goldsmith associated with Enrique de Arfe. De Arfe was one of the most successful Renaissance silversmiths in Spain. He trained in Cologne in Germany but spent much of his career on commissions for Spanish cathedrals.

This plaque shows Jesus kneeling in the river Jordan, being baptised by his cousin John the Baptist.
Bibliographic reference
The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver: 1400-1660, Charles Oman, HMSO 1968.
Collection
Accession number
M.510:7-1956

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Record createdSeptember 7, 2004
Record URL
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