Not currently on display at the V&A

Entombment of a Bishop

Plaque
ca. 1850-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plaque is an example of the 19th century fascination for medieval art. Collectors and dealers were particularly interested in medieval objects such as enamels. Owing to the high demand for medieval goods, craftsmen sought to recreate medieval objects. This plaque copies the style and colours of enamel from Limoges. Limoges was an important centre for enamel production from the 12th to the 14th centurys. The work of the Limoges enamellers is particularly known by the use of unique shades of dark blue and turquoise. Although this 19th century rendition has captured the basic style and colours of Limoges work, it has not recreated the exact shades that made medieval Limoges enamel so famous.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleEntombment of a Bishop (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Enamel and copper gilt
Brief description
Copper gilt plaque enamelled with a scene of the entombment of a bishop, possibly made in Paris, about 1850-1900
Physical description
Rectangular plaque of copper gilt enamelled with the entombment of a bishop on a blue background with three standing figures looking on. Border pierced with ten circular holes.
Dimensions
  • Length: 16.2cm
  • Width: 10.8cm
Credit line
Given by Rainer Zietz
Object history
Tested by Heike Bronk on 13.07.2001 and found to be nineteenth century rather than medieval.
Summary
This plaque is an example of the 19th century fascination for medieval art. Collectors and dealers were particularly interested in medieval objects such as enamels. Owing to the high demand for medieval goods, craftsmen sought to recreate medieval objects. This plaque copies the style and colours of enamel from Limoges. Limoges was an important centre for enamel production from the 12th to the 14th centurys. The work of the Limoges enamellers is particularly known by the use of unique shades of dark blue and turquoise. Although this 19th century rendition has captured the basic style and colours of Limoges work, it has not recreated the exact shades that made medieval Limoges enamel so famous.
Collection
Accession number
M.63-2003

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Record createdJanuary 16, 2004
Record URL
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