Pax thumbnail 1
Not on display

Pax

ca. 1500 (made)
Place of origin
Sicily (made)

Pax with Virgin and Child in silver surrounded by a Gothic architectural setting, against a background of blue enamel and gilt stars. The Virgin and Child were common subjects for late medieval paxes.

Object details

Category
Christianity
Object type
Pax
Materials and techniques
Silver, parcel gilt, with translucent enamel
Brief description
Pax depicting the Virgin and Child, Sicily, ca. 1500
Physical description
Pax with Virgin and Child in silver surrounded by a Gothic architectural setting, against a background of blue enamel and gilt stars. The Virgin and Child were common subjects for late medieval paxes.
Dimensions
  • Base to top of canopy height: 31.5cm
  • Across widest part, at base of canopy in which virgin is seated width: 12.2cm
  • From front of seated virgin to widest part of handle on the back of the pax depth: 6.9cm (May not be completely accurate)
Gallery label
PAX
Silver, parcel-gilt, with translucent enamel
Sicilian; about 1500
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh
The Virgin and Child as here, were common subjects for late medieval paxes, which were passed around the congregation to be kissed during Mass, as part of the ritual of the Kiss of Peace.
Credit line
Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
M.38-1951

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Record createdMay 11, 2000
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O39535/pax/
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