Not currently on display at the V&A

The Adoration of the Magi

Plaquette
16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plaquette, representing a scene of the Adoration of the Magi, is made by Giovanni Bernardi (1496-1553) in the 16th century.

The plaquette depicts the Virgin, seated on the left, holding Child Christ on her knee, behind is St. Joseph. One of the Magi kneels offering a vase, the other two, crowned and holding gifts, stand behind.

A plaque is any flat, thin piece of metal, clay, ivory, or similar, used for ornament, or for painting pictures upon. It can be hung upon a wall or smaller versions may be worn as decoration, like a brooch.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Adoration of the Magi (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Plaque, bronze, the Adoration of the Magi, by Giovanni Bernardi, Italy, 16th century
Physical description
This plaquette, representing a scene of the Adoration of the Magi, is made by Giovanni Bernardi in the 16th century.

The plaquette depicts the Virgin, seated on the left, holding Child Christ on her knee, behind is St. Joseph. One of the Magi kneels offering a vase, the other two, crowned and holding gifts, stand behind. In the background is a ruined building above which appears the star.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10cm
  • Width: 7.25cm
Object history
Acquired in Florence.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plaquette, representing a scene of the Adoration of the Magi, is made by Giovanni Bernardi (1496-1553) in the 16th century.

The plaquette depicts the Virgin, seated on the left, holding Child Christ on her knee, behind is St. Joseph. One of the Magi kneels offering a vase, the other two, crowned and holding gifts, stand behind.

A plaque is any flat, thin piece of metal, clay, ivory, or similar, used for ornament, or for painting pictures upon. It can be hung upon a wall or smaller versions may be worn as decoration, like a brooch.
Bibliographic references
  • Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1861. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 31
  • Maclagan, Eric. Catalogue of Italian Plaquettes . London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1924, p. 69
Collection
Accession number
7369-1861

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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