Rectangular Plaque
Unknown Artist
middle of the 6th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 1 3/4 x 13/16 x 3/16 in. (4.5 x 2 x 0.4 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
17.193.244
Art Historical Context
This delicate Rectangular Plaque, crafted in the mid-6th century by unknown Frankish artisan, a glimpse into the sophisticated metalworking of early medieval Europe. Measuring just 1 3/4 x 13/16 x 3/16 inches, this copper alloy piece—likely a decorative mount for jewelry, harnesses, or personal adornment—exemplifies the Frankish Merovingian culture dominated Gaul (modern France) after the fall of Rome. The Franks, under kings like Clovis, blended Germanic traditions with Roman techniques, producing intricate metalwork that symbolized status and artistry. Copper alloy, a durable and malleable ...