The Adoration of the Magi thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

The Adoration of the Magi

Plaquette
1587-1588 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. Anton Eisenhoit was born in Warburg in Westphalia but spent several years in Rome working as an engraver. He became one of the most prolific goldsmiths in northern Germany.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Adoration of the Magi (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Lead
Brief description
Plaquette, lead, by Anton Eisenhoit, Germany (Warburg), ca. 1587-8
Physical description
Plaquette, lead. To the right the seated Virgin holds the Child on her knee, at her feet is a vase, behind her St. Joseph. To the left a kneeling king holds out a casket towards the Child who stretches out to take it. Behind stand the other two kings holding ornate cups containing their gifts. Architectural background. Rounded at the top.
Dimensions
  • Height: 9.7cm
  • Width: 5.3cm
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, FSA
Object history
Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. Anton Eisenhoit was born in Warburg in Westphalia but spent several years in Rome working as an engraver. He became one of the most prolific goldsmiths in northern Germany.
Bibliographic reference
Weber, I. Deutsche Niederländische und Französische Renaissanceplaketten. Munich. 1975. p.270, no. 583, 3.
Collection
Accession number
A.13-1932

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Record createdMay 9, 2005
Record URL
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