Kiss Of Peace In Gilded And Enameled Copper – Gothic Calvary – Circa 1500-1525

Gilt and Enamelled Copper Peace Sign – Gothic Calvary – circa 1500-1525.

A rare peace sign (portapaz) in cast, chased, engraved, and gilded copper, enriched with blue and white enamels, dating from the very beginning of the 16th century. The plaque takes the form of a semicircular arch framed by two pilasters with Gothic decoration, resting on an openwork base adorned with a floral crest and enamel highlights.

Description:

The relief depicts a Calvary scene: Christ crucified in the center, accompanied by Saint John and a saintly figure to the side.
The halos are engraved directly into the background.
The composition is set within a miniature architectural style with curved capitals converging in a point, typical of the late Gothic vocabulary.
The cam-shaped handle, intended for the liturgical presentation of the peace sign during services, remains on the reverse.
The old gilding retains a beautiful patina with wear consistent with age, while the enamels show visible losses.
The whole piece testifies to its early liturgical use.

This type of Kiss of Peace, probably among the oldest known examples of this theme, belongs to a European tradition of the late 15th to early 16th centuries, with parallels preserved in Spanish museum collections.

Dimensions: approximately 14 × 10 cm - Weight: approximately 392 g.

Condition:

Minor wear, enamel loss, and deformations consistent with age; sound structure.

A highly rare liturgical object, representative of the transition between late Gothic and early Renaissance influences, sought after for the quality of its relief and its authenticity.