Enamel Plaque from the Altar Frontal of Saint Martin at Orense (Spain)
Unknown Artist
1174–1213 (probably before 1188)
Medium
copper: engraved, stippled, gilded; champlevé enamel
Dimensions
13.7 × 8.9 cm
Classification
Enamel
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Kelvin Smith
Accession Number
1966.735
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This almond-shaped enamel plaque depicts the half-length figure of an angel inscribed in a medallion. A nearly identical plaque in the cathedral treasury of St. Martin at Orense in Galicia (Northern Spain) suggests that this plaque once formed part of a large altar frontal commissioned by Bishop Alfonso of Orense (reigned 1174–1213). Fifty-three enameled plaques of this important ensemble are still preserved at the Cathedral of Orense. Others, including this one, were possibly removed during the...