Artwork Page for Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Osea (Hosea)

Details / Information for Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Osea (Hosea)

Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Osea (Hosea)

c. 1170–80
Measurements
Overall: 9 x 5.9 x 0.3 cm (3 9/16 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 vertically oriented gilded copper plaque depicts the prophet Osea seated on an architectural throne. Wearing draped golden robes and a circular halo, he faces left while holding a scroll inscribed "OSEE PROPHETA." Dark blue enamel with gold dots fills the background, contrasting with the solid gold figure. White and green borders frame the arched top. The prophet has a light skin tone, and four mounting holes pierce the corners.

Plaque with Seated Prophet from a Reliquary Shrine: Osea (Hosea)

c. 1170–80

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

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