Plaque of a cross, eagle of Saint John, Cl. 23884 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Plaque of a cross

Eagle of Saint John

Description

On display - room 6

Circa 1185-1195

High Middle Ages

This plaque was probably placed at the top of a cross. It represents an eagle enamelled on a smooth golden background: with a halo and holding a phylactery, it is the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist. This plaque probably belonged to the back of the cross was reputed to come from the Grandmontain priory in Mathons (Haute-Marne), from which the Musée de Cluny had already held four plaques since 1892.

The enamels are notable for the quality of their design and the richness of their colour harmonies.
 
 

From one artwork to another

Head of the king of Judah No. 6, Notre-Dame de Paris, Cl. 22988 © GrandPalaisRmn / René-Gabriel Ojeda

Heads of the kings of Judah

First half of the 13th century