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Plaque with Abraham and Melchizedek
(Renaissance Europe )
The story in Genesis of the priest Melchizedek offering wine and bread to Abraham, who was returning from battle, was interpreted by Christians as foreshadowing the establishment of Holy Communion. The composition is based on an illustration from a Bible printed in Lyon.
The Sarachi family was active in Milan from the mid 16th century through the early 17th century and famous for their carved rock crystal plaques and vessels, which were acquired for many princely collections.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 6/18/1969 | Examination | examined for condition |
| 2/18/1988 | Treatment | cleaned |
Geographies
Italy, Milan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
2 3/8 x 6 1/8 in. (6 x 15.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
41.118