Plaque from Triptych
Unknown Artist
mid-15th century
Medium
Copper-gilt
Dimensions
Overall (central panel): 8 9/16 x 6 3/4 x 1/16 in. (21.8 x 17.2 x 0.1 cm) As a triptych with 90.3.9a-c: 8 5/8 x 11 1/4 x 1/16 in. (21.9 x 28.5 x 0.1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper
Culture
German
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. A. M. Minturn, 1890
Accession Number
90.3.9a
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite copper-gilt plaque, dating to the mid-15th century hails from Germany and forms part of a delicate triptych—a three-panel format popular in medieval devotional art for private altars or portable shrines. Crafted by an unknown artist, its slim profile (just 1/16 inch thick) and shimmering gold surface exemplify the era's metalwork mastery, where copper was engraved, chased, and gilded to mimic precious metals, making religious imagery accessible to the devout laity. Likely depicting angels—a common motif symbolizing divine messengers—the plaque reflects late Gothic sensibilities...