Similar mounts adorned reliquaries as well as other liturgical, but also private works of art.
   A similar angel mount in gilt silver decorates the Schanternell fibula of the Aachen treasury.

   The fine modeling of the bronze angel is reinforced by a precise afterworking : the hair as well as
   the feathers of the wings are precisely chased and engraved.

   Such time-consuming and skillful work on a small item is a proof that the angel was part of a precious works of art.

   The mount is pierced and two rivets remain in place. It was broken most probably in the XVI c. when Henry VIII decided the dissolution of monastic orders,
   resulting in a wave of vandalim and iconoclasm throughout England.

   In style, the angel is XIII-XIV c., although it lacks defining features. The drapery is elaborated yet classical,
   explaining why a XV c. date is not convincing.

   Very good conservation, except for the broken tip of the left wing, and gilding lacks.

   Material : Gilt bronze
   Origin : U.K. ?
   Provenance : U.K.
   Date : XIII-XIV c.
   Dimensions : Height : 3,2 cm - Width : 3 cm

        Ref. : md-070  

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