Enamel and Copper, Limoges, France, 1350-1400

Champleve enamel on copper. In the centre is the figure of the Almighty Father holding the crucified Saviour, and on either side is an enamelled shield of arms. The whole is in a ground of blue enamel and is enclosed in a gilt metal frame of Gothic design.

Medieval Worship

Until the 16th century Roman Catholicism was the universal faith of the Western world and Latin was its universal language. The needs of church ritual inspired the production of a range of richly decorated vessels and vestments, crosses and images in the form of altarpieces. Many were made of gold or silver, adorned with enamels or gems, precious materials seen as symbolic of the reverence due to the worship of God. Less wealthy churches used cheaper vessels in copper, brass or pewter.

The celebration of Mass was and remains the most important service of the Roman Catholic liturgy. For this the minimum requirements are an altar, a chalice and missal, the book of texts necessary for the Mass. Holy Communion or Eucharist is that part of the Mass in which the people participate in the sacrifice of Christ, by partaking of his body and blood in the consecrated bread and wine, held in the chalice and paten.

A pax (from the Latin for ‘peace’) symbolised the kiss of peace shared by early Christians. It was passed around and kissed during the Mass. Paxes were made in various materials, including silver, ivory, copper, pewter and wood.

1148-1864