Medieval French Limoges Copper Relief of The Crucified Christ
A Medieval French Limoges Copper Relief of The Crucified Christ
Probably from a book cover. Traces of gilding
Early 13th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 14cm wide – 7¼ ins high, 5½ ins wide
Probably from a book cover. Traces of gilding
Early 13th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 14cm wide – 7¼ ins high, 5½ ins wide
Caskets, book covers, altar and processional crosses were made of a copper alloy decorated in Champlevé enamel by a technique developed and exploited in Limoges, France. These were then gilded and fitted with appliqués and reliefs of the Saints and Martyrs, the Virgin Mary and Christ. Limoges enamels were produced on a large scale in the 13th and 14th centuries for the European Christian church. The most famous Limoges casket was one of 40 made in 1200 AD to distribute St Thomas Becket's relics throughout Europe. It was later purchased in Naples by Sir William Hamilton whilst British Ambassador to the Kingdom and presented by him to the Society of Antiquaries in 1801. At the time Hamilton believed it to be Russian or 18th century Greek.
Medieval French Limoges Copper Relief of The Crucified Christ
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