Grandmont altar plaques

This plaque shows figures standing in an elegant architectural setting. It is a representation of the Adoration of the Magi.

Guided by the star, which one of them is pointing at, the three kings have come to bring gifts to the Infant Jesus. Jesus is welcoming them with a gesture of benediction. He is sitting on the knees of his mother, Mary, who is sitting in majesty on a throne and holding a lily flower in her hand as a sceptre. The Virgin Mary is depicted as sovereign here because she consecrated Grandmont church.

Along with other similar plaques, it originally adorned the main altar at Grandmont abbey in Limousin.  Unfortunately, only two of these elements of the rich decor remain. Both are conserved in the museum.

The decor was probably created just after 1138, when Stephen of Muret, founder of the order of Grandmont, was canonised, and that is why it originally combined scenes from the Gospel with episodes from the new saint’s life.

The enamel colours are incredibly rich. This altar plaques was made in a workshop in Limousin. They are typical of pieces worked in enamelled copper of superlative quality, which were called "Œuvre de Limoges" (Limoges enamel).