Artwork Page for Warrior Fighting a Dragon

Details / Information for Warrior Fighting a Dragon

Warrior Fighting a Dragon

c. 1170–1180

Anglo-Norman, England or France, Romanesque period, 12th century

Medium
gilded copper, champlevé enamel
Measurements
Diameter: 6.5 x 0.3 cm (2 9/16 x 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1951.546
Public Domain
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Location
106C Medieval Treasury
Print

Description

This gilded copper medallion features an enameled representation of a youthful warrior fighting a winged dragon. As no inscription accompanies the scene, the young hero’s identity remains unknown. It may depict the Arthurian hero Tristan fighting the dragon of Ireland--an epic poem titled Tristan gained popularity at the Plantagenet court of Henry II in England shortly before the medallion was created.
A circular gilded copper and enamel plaque features a central figure in blue garments lunging right, sword raised and shield braced. Opposite the figure, a winged dragon with a long, coiled tail bites the shield's rim. Thick green leaves with dark veining scroll throughout, filling the gold-toned background. Gilded outlines define the scene's forms, which are filled with vibrant blue, green, and red enamel.

Warrior Fighting a Dragon

c. 1170–1180

Anglo-Norman, England or France, Romanesque period, 12th century

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