Plaque thumbnail 1

Plaque

13th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plaque may have come from a medieval reliquary. The size and iconography of the piece may alternatively indicate that it was part of a gospel cover. Gospel covers traditionally depicted the crucifixion upon the front cover in this period. The engraving upon this plaque is a good example of the Gothic style. The naturalistic rendering of the figures is indicative of Gothic art in the 13th century.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Copper-gilt, engraved
Brief description
Copper-gilt, engraved with the crucifixion, Mosan, early 13th century
Physical description
Copper-gilt engraved with the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdelene. Two half length angels above. Holes around the edge of the object where the plaque would have been pinned.
Dimensions
  • Height: 29.7cm
  • Width: 22.5cm
  • Depth: 0.2cm
  • Weight: 0.46kg
Measured for the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries 2006
Marks and inscriptions
'IHC. NAZA / RENUS. REX / IUDEORUM' (Titulus in Lombardic Letters)
Translation
Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews
Credit line
Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest
Object history
Hildburgh Bequest

Historical significance: This plaque is indicative of the Gothic style of the 13th century. The foliate decoration and naturalistic rendering of the figures are particular examples of Gothic Art. It was made in the Meuse region, which produced the majority of high quality bronze and brass objects during this period.
Historical context
This object was considered on acquisition to be the back of a reliquary. The reverse of a reliquary of St Matthias in Trier is engraved in a similar Gothic style to this example. (Rhein und Maas, p.346) The Trier reliquary is also made from similar materials as the V&A plaque; copper- gilt and silver- gilt. The pins around the reliquary are consistent with the holes surrounding this example. The size and iconography of the plaque are also similar to a portable altar attributed to Jaques de Vitry (Hugo D'Oignies, p.268).

The size and iconography of this plaque may indicate however that it was a gospel cover. Book bindings for gospels were often made form expensive materials such as silver or enamel. However, this object, once gilded, would have appeared to be made of gold. The iconography of the plaque reflects the traditional iconography of gospel covers in this period. Bindings depicted the Crucifixion on the upper cover and Christ in majesty on the lower cover. Thin metal covers could be attached to wooden bases for reinforcement.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plaque may have come from a medieval reliquary. The size and iconography of the piece may alternatively indicate that it was part of a gospel cover. Gospel covers traditionally depicted the crucifixion upon the front cover in this period. The engraving upon this plaque is a good example of the Gothic style. The naturalistic rendering of the figures is indicative of Gothic art in the 13th century.
Bibliographic references
  • Cécile Douxchamps-Lefêvre and André Lambotte, Autor de Hugo D'Oignies, Museé des Arts Anciend du Namurois, 2003, p. 268
  • Rhien und Maas: Kunst und Kultur 800-1400, Koln, 1972, p.346
Collection
Accession number
M.303-1956

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdOctober 19, 2006
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest