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)
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
Credit Line
Gift of Kelvin Smith