Medallion with the Adoration of the Magi
Netherlands (c. 1450-1500)
Gold, Jewels, Enamel; 5.5 cm.
An entire story unfolds in 3D inside this concave stage setting. The scene is cast in gold. Its colouration is the result of a complex process: every colour of enamel has its own melting point and so a separate firing is required for each tint. This jewel bears a resemblance to wooden prayer nuts, but they were made only some fifty years later.
Those magi!!!
They COULDN’T WAIT to pop off their crowns! One has only a foot in the door and he’s like, *shoom* goodbye crown! One is still outside.
The wide-eyed guy at the bottom giving Baby Jesus some “Oh Tish, I love it when you speak French” action is also worth noting.