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Details
A rare 15th century gold and enamel mount discovered in Hertfordshire
The heavy gold rectangular plaque finely engraved as a Trinitarian scene depicting the figure of God the father seated on the 'Throne of Mercy' holding the crucified figure of Christ with the dove of the Holy Spirit to the top right, against an architectural background, traces of original black enamel and some amber coloured enamel to the crown of God indicating that the plaque may have originally been vari-coloured, late 15th century, 26.5 mm x 21.5mm
The heavy gold rectangular plaque finely engraved as a Trinitarian scene depicting the figure of God the father seated on the 'Throne of Mercy' holding the crucified figure of Christ with the dove of the Holy Spirit to the top right, against an architectural background, traces of original black enamel and some amber coloured enamel to the crown of God indicating that the plaque may have originally been vari-coloured, late 15th century, 26.5 mm x 21.5mm
Provenance
Found at Great Gaddesden, Decorum, Hertfordshire, 2007, British Museum Treasure no. 2007 T224, subsequently disclaimed by the British Museum. The mount was apparently found within the vicinity of Ashridge near the ruins of Berkhamstead Castle.
Further details
Please note that this lot will need an export licence if it is to be exported outside of the UK
There are various opinions as to the function of the plaque suggesting that it may have been a book clasp mount, a panel from a reliquary, pectoral cross or other jewel. It was probably produced during the latter part of the Wars of the Roses. The style of the engraving is typical for the 15th century and can be compared to the engraving found on iconographic rings of the period. The depiction of the Trinity is interesting as there are normally two types of interpretation, one being the Christomorphic showing three figures 'Father, Son & Holy Ghost' the other being the depiction of 'The Throne of Mercy' with God the Father holding the crucified Christ and showing the Holy Spirit. A similar depiction although more finely engraved, can be seen on the Middleham jewel which was found buried in Yorkshire in 1985. In rare cases these designs are combined. Cf. Christie's sale of Valuable Manuscripts and Printed Books, 21st. November, 2012, Lot 20, also the fresco 'Holy Trinity' by Masaccio, Florence, 1425.
There are various opinions as to the function of the plaque suggesting that it may have been a book clasp mount, a panel from a reliquary, pectoral cross or other jewel. It was probably produced during the latter part of the Wars of the Roses. The style of the engraving is typical for the 15th century and can be compared to the engraving found on iconographic rings of the period. The depiction of the Trinity is interesting as there are normally two types of interpretation, one being the Christomorphic showing three figures 'Father, Son & Holy Ghost' the other being the depiction of 'The Throne of Mercy' with God the Father holding the crucified Christ and showing the Holy Spirit. A similar depiction although more finely engraved, can be seen on the Middleham jewel which was found buried in Yorkshire in 1985. In rare cases these designs are combined. Cf. Christie's sale of Valuable Manuscripts and Printed Books, 21st. November, 2012, Lot 20, also the fresco 'Holy Trinity' by Masaccio, Florence, 1425.
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