Prophet Ezekiel

Such intricately designed works using the champlevé enameling technique were originally used to decorate ornate portable altars or reliquaries. Three other specimens from this series of prophets are to be found in museums in St. Petersburg, Dijon and Cleveland/ Ohio. Moreover, there are close links between this small tablet and its three cousins and a reliquary for Heinrich II made in Hildesheim (currently at the Louvre, Paris) as well as works housed in Hildesheim Cathedral. Thus we can assume that the tablet was produced in Hildesheim. Unusually, the prophet depicted is not standing, but sitting on a throne. The perspective is strictly frontal, as was usual in Roman art. The linear, almost graphic mode of presentation follows directly on from contemporary book painting. (Barbara Til)