This is a large, rimmed brass plate with decorative carvings. In the center, there is a detailed spider-like carving, with a solid center section and eight threads that extend out and curve at the ends. This is encircled by a narrow rolled band. Between each pair of threads is a lantern-like figure. In the area between the center and the rim are four identical stags, all facing in the same direction, and evenly spaced. They appear to be active, as their front legs are lifted and stretched forward with their hind legs poised for movement. Their heads are held high with antlers poking out behind. Features that look like stick-figure trees appear by the rump and hind legs of each stag. A leaf-like image is placed between each stag. A simple band of repeating small, oval shapes appears just inside the rim. The engraving on the rim is worn, almost entirely in some spots; it appears to have been two rows of simple scalloped patterns.
German, Nuremberg
Plate: Stags,
late 15th century
Brass
,
54 cm (21 1/4 in.)
Object details
Accession number
M19w34
Primary Creator
German, Nuremberg
Full title
Plate: Stags
Creation Date
late 15th century
Provenance
Purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner from the antique dealer Julius Böhler, Munich on 17 August 1897 for 280 marks through her husband, John L. Gardner, Jr. (1837–1898).
Dimensions
54 cm (21 1/4 in.)
Display Media
Brass
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.
Permanent Gallery Location
Tapestry Room
Bibliography
Gilbert Wendel Longstreet and Morris Carter. General Catalogue (Boston, 1935), pp. 152-53. (as probably German, Nuremberg; dated 15th-17th centuries)
“Notes, Records, Comments.” Gardner Museum Calendar of Events 9, no. 28 (13 Mar. 1966), p. 2.
Rights and reproductions
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Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.