Triptych with onyx brooch
Item
-
Work Number
-
580161
-
Title
-
Triptych with onyx brooch
-
Description
-
Engraved metal, enamels, and gems
The triptych and onyx brooch are separable. It appears that the triptych can be closed as well though Forsyth and Weitzmann only documened it open. Potential designs on the front of the wings or reverse have not been photographed.
In the center of the triptych is a niche that snugly fits the onyx brooch. Surrounding the niche are circular vine and tendril motifs. The top of the central panel culminates in a pointed arch smilar to those used in Islamic architecture. Each hinge is crowned with a Greek cross. On each wing is an archangel that has been carved in low relief. The Archangel Michael has been incised into the left wing and the Archangel Gabriel on the right wing.
An icon of St. Catherine has been carved into the onyx brooch. The frame of the brooch has been adorned wih a floral motif and inlaid gems. A wire of gold supports a course of beads around the brooch. Above the icon of St. Catherine is circular icon of Christ attached to the brooch by a hinge. On the reverse of the Christ Icon is a Greek inscription. The reverse of the brooch has been adorned with a vine and flower motif around the gold border surrounding the central panel that is slightly raised and decorated with a similar motif, here in polychrome.
-
Medium
-
Metalwork | Enamel | Jewel
-
Bibliographic Citation
-
Weitzmann, Kurt. "Mount Sinai's holy treasures," National Geographic, 125, 1964, p. 122, ill.
-
Provenance
-
Gallery, case 11
