Enamel Plaque from the Altar Frontal of Saint Martin at Orense (Spain)

Description

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 Napoleonic era.

Provenance

Kelvin Smith (1899-1984), Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art (-1966); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1966-)

Enamel Plaque from the Altar Frontal of Saint Martin at Orense (Spain)

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1174–1213 (probably before 1188)

Accession Number

1966.735

Medium

copper: engraved, stippled, gilded; champlevé enamel

Dimensions

Average: 13.7 x 8.9 cm (5 3/8 x 3 1/2 in.)

Classification

Enamel

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Kelvin Smith