Elder of the Apocalypse

Unknown

ca. 1100 · Copper: gilt; champlevé & cloisonné enamel: black, medium and lavender blue, turquoise, almond green, white and pinkish white · Medieval Art

This figure can be identified as one of twenty-four elders who surround God’s throne in the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation). The text specifies that they hold harps, but medieval images portray them with a variety of musical instruments, here a viol. Elders never appear as single figures, so this roundel must have been part of a larger, imposing work of art, perhaps an altar, created for the abbey of Conques under Abbot Bégon III (r. 1087–1107).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1100

Medium

Copper: gilt; champlevé & cloisonné enamel: black, medium and lavender blue, turquoise, almond green, white and pinkish white

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Lauder, 1983