There are four almost identical reliefs, depicting four scenes of Christ’s Passion in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (2015.388.1-4). As Elizabeth Cleland writes, the construction of these reliefs was an innovative technique involving molten glass built up over an armature of gold wires on a silver base. And this would have formed part of larger object, such as a reliquary, with additional scenes, probably also from the life of Christ.
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In generally good, stable condition overall considering the age and fragility of the material. With the expected light scattered nicks, flakes and small losses to the enamel. The upper right section of the enamel with a restored chip and associated overpainting, possibly now lacking an element. The upper section of the enamel with some scattered fine cracking. Christ proper right arm with a repaired break at the shoulder. Christ possibly lacking his cross and lacking some fingers on his proper right hand. With some discoloration to the figure in the blue robe's arm on the lower left corner, possibly as a result of restoration. The reverse with apparent old adhesive residue. Certain elements such as Christ's crown and the leaf tips in the forefront tested for gold content and held at 22 carats.
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Lot 87Sale 18553
AN ENAMELLED GOLD OR COPPER AND SILVER RELIEF OF CHRIST ON THE ROAD TO CALVARYGERMAN, AUGSBURG OR NUREMBURG, CIRCA 1520-30Estimate: USD 3,000 - 5,000
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