German / Liturgical Fan (Flabellum) / ca. 1200

German
Liturgical Fan (Flabellum)
ca. 1200
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Creator Nationality: European; Northern European; German
Creator Name-CRT: German
Title: Liturgical Fan (Flabellum)
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1180
Creation End Date: 1220
Creation Date: ca. 1200
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Classification Term: Metalwork-Bronze
Materials and Techniques: Gilt bronze, champlevé enamel, silver, semiprecious stones, glass, gems
Dimensions: Diam. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); L. of handle 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 47.101.32
Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1947
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Context:

This flabellum, or liturgical fan-created for the practical function of keeping flies away during the celebration of Mass-is a particularly fine example of its type. Originating during the Early Christian period, flabella were first constructed from parchment or feathers and were attached to long shafts so they could be held by the subdeacon behind the altar during the blessing of the bread and wine. Later, however, as their function became more purely ceremonial, more lavish materials were used in their construction. All that remains of this fan is its head, richly ornamented with concentric bands of silver gilt and jeweled and enameled friezes decorated with stylized acanthus-leaf scroll and palmette patterns. The hinged, central boss opens like a door to reveal a compartment that once held a relic.

AMICA ID: MMA_.47.101.32
AMICA Library Year: 2000
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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