Pendant Diptych
1400 - 1450 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
A diptych is formed of two hinged panels that open like a book. This example could be worn around the neck as a devotional pendant for use in private prayer. The outside panels show Christ and St James, while on the inside are St Catherine and St George and the dragon.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver, silver gilt |
Brief description | Pendant diptych, silver and gilded silver, with applied cast figures of St George and St Catherine, and engraved images of St James the Great and Christ as Man of Sorrows. North German, about 1400-1450. |
Physical description | Diptych, silver, silver gilt, integral hinges, the two wings fastened by a clasp, with suspension ring attached to each wing. On the interior of each wing is a sunken panel in bevelled frame, to which is applied a relief figures of St. George and the Dragon (left) and St. Catherine of Alexandria (right). When these are closed, the outer panels, recessed within moulded frames, depict crudely engraved scenes representing Christ in the Well of Pity (front) and St. James the Great (back), both on hatched grounds. |
Dimensions |
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Gallery label | UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Before modern transport people largely travelled on foot or on horseback. Useful everyday items needed to be carried comfortably on the body. Some were miniature versions of larger objects, others folded ingeniously to become portable. Often they were intricate and delicate.
These eleven items were personal possessions. Many were made before pockets were commonplace. Some were used in the workplace, some at home and some on the road.
Many have cases as stylish as the objects they protect. These cases came in a range of materials, from expensive ivory and sharkskin to cheaper leather and wood. Their decoration shows the same designs that adorn silver, ceramics and textiles.
All these objects give us interesting insights into work, leisure and social etiquette
9 DIPTYCH PENDANT
Gold and silver
Germany, 1400-50
A diptych is formed of two hinged panels that open like a book. This example could be worn around the neck as a devotional pendant for use in private prayer. The outside panels show Christ and St James, while on the inside are St Catherine and St George and the dragon.
Museum no. 14-1873 |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | A diptych is formed of two hinged panels that open like a book. This example could be worn around the neck as a devotional pendant for use in private prayer. The outside panels show Christ and St James, while on the inside are St Catherine and St George and the dragon. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 14-1873 |
About this object record
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Record created | December 15, 1999 |
Record URL |
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