Details

LOT 0346

Medieval Silver Medallion with Scenes of the Nativity

SOUTHERN GERMANY, CIRCA 1300 A.D.

1 1/2 in. (3.28 grams, 37 mm).

Disc with beaded border, repoussé scene with lancet-arch arcade, nimbate Mary in bed with infant Jesus in a crib beside her; attachment holes to the rim. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex Peter Szuhay, 2005.
Ex private collection, Suffolk, UK.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12054-217467.

Published

Fogg, S., Treasury Objects of the Middle Ages, London, 2021, p.29.

Literature

Cf. Seyderhelm, B., Goldschmiedekunst des Mittelalters. Im Gebrauch der Gemeinden über Jahrhunderte bewahrt, Maagdeburg, 2001, cat.7, for a silver goblet decorated with similar medallions.

Footnotes

These silver-gilt medallions with scenes of the Christ's life in repoussé, show Gothic architectural features characteristic of the 14th century A.D., which are often represented in artworks of the late Medieval period including manuscript illuminations and stained glass. Interestingly, Saint Joseph is represented with the typical cap worn in Medieval Germany by the Jews of the same period.