Plaque from a Book Cover with the Crucifixion

This object is a medieval plaque originally made for a book cover, depicting the scene of the Crucifixion. Formed over a wood core, the rectangular panel features copper that has been gilded, chased, and engraved, combined with champlevé enamel. Christ is shown affixed to a green cross, flanked above by two angels and below by two standing figures against a richly decorated blue background filled with circular florets and geometric borders.

Produced in Limoges, Limousin, France, during the Gothic period of the 13th century, the piece dates between 1200 and 1250. The plaque measures 23.2 cm in height, 11.8 cm in width, and 1.3 cm in depth (9 1/8 x 4 5/8 x 1/2 in.). The figures feature chased metallic bodies with applied high-relief heads and engraved halos, surrounded by multicolored enamel work in shades of blue, green, yellow, and white.