Rectangular Plaque
Unknown Artist
ca. middle of the 6th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 2 3/16 x 13/16 x 1/4 in. (5.5 x 2 x 0.7 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper alloy
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.193.207
Art Historical Context
This delicate Rectangular Plaque, crafted by an unknown Frankish artist around the middle of the 6th century, exemplifies the metalworking traditions of early medieval Europe. just 2 3/16 x 13/16 x 1/4 inches, this copper alloy piece was likely designed for personal adornment—perhaps as a belt fitting, brooch mount, or harness decoration—reflecting the portable luxury items prized by Frankish elites. Hailing from the Meroving era, when the Franks under kings like Clovis solidified their kingdom across modern-day France and Germany, the plaque captures a pivotal transition from late Roman infl...