Plaque with the Pentecost in the Cloisters, October 2017

Plaque with the Pentecost

Date:ca. 1150–75

Geography:Made in Meuse Valley, South Netherlands

Culture:South Netherlandish

Medium:Champlevé and translucent enamel on copper gilt

Dimensions:Overall: 4 1/16 x 4 1/16 x 1/4 in. (10.3 x 10.3 x 0.6 cm)

Classification:Enamels-Champlevé

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1965

Accession Number:65.105

The Acts of the Apostles recounts how they were infused with the Holy Spirit fifty days after Easter, an event celebrated by the feast of Pentecost. In this plaque, the use of gilding and of enamel over metal foil creates a shimmery effect appropriate to this mystical scene. Along with others of the same dimensions— including three in the main building of the Metropolitan Museum—it once decorated an imposing church furnishing, such as an altar, candlestick, or large cross.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/470307