Artwork Page for Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Achapias (Obadiah)

Details / Information for Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Achapias (Obadiah)

Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Achapias (Obadiah)

c. 1170–80
Measurements
Overall: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 cm (3 1/2 x 2 5/16 x 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Description

Once used as decorations for a reliquary shrine, each enamel plaque represents a biblical prophet: Isaiah, Obadiah, Elisha, and Hosea. Fine gold dots punctuate dark blue backgrounds. Typical of Hildesheim enamels, this detailing creates the illusion that the prophets sit against star-studded twilight skies.
A gilded copper and enamel plaque depicts the prophet Achapias, a figure with a long beard and golden halo. He sits on a throne wearing draped robes, holding his right hand up with two fingers extended. His left hand holds a winding scroll inscribed with "ACHAPIAS PROPHETA." The gold surface is pitted and worn, set against a dark blue background with gold dots, framed by a green and white arched border.

Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Achapias (Obadiah)

c. 1170–80

Germany, Lower Saxony, Hildesheim, Romanesque period, 12th century

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