In the context of Ensemble for the celebration of the Eucharist (Metropolitan Museum of Art), explore the Paten of the Description.
The paten in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dates to the late 13th century. The piece was likely made for the monastery of Saint Trudpert in Southern Germany. Made from gilded silver, the plate depicts four figures arranged in a four-pointed cross centered around a golden disc. At the top of the cross, Christ is depicted holding a chalice. On the sides of the cross, two figures from the Old Testament flank Christ; the priest-king Melchizedek to Christ's left, Abel to his right. Saint Trudpert is seen at the bottom of the cross, indicating that the pattern was made for the monks of Saint Trudpert.
silver chalice Abel Christ paten gilded Saint Trudpert Paten gold Trudpert Melchizedek monastery of Saint Trudpert Old Testament Metropolitan Museum of Art