Lot Essay
The present piece, which resembles a miniature altarpiece in composition, was almost certainly originally a pax. They were employed during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to convey the kiss of peace from the celebrant to the faithful.
Niello, here used extensively for the framing elements, but also for the central representation of the Adoration of the Magi attended by a kneeling monastic donor, was a technique which in effect anticipated printmaking. Unsurprisingly, a number of the artists responsible for nielli were among the earliest engravers.
Niello, here used extensively for the framing elements, but also for the central representation of the Adoration of the Magi attended by a kneeling monastic donor, was a technique which in effect anticipated printmaking. Unsurprisingly, a number of the artists responsible for nielli were among the earliest engravers.