Early Northern European Brass Alms Plate, Spies From Canaan

Details

Description

DETAILS
Hand crafted with a rolled lip and extensive repousse and punchwork, this antique, 17th century Flemish or German alms … Read more DETAILS
Hand crafted with a rolled lip and extensive repousse and punchwork, this antique, 17th century Flemish or German alms charger depicts the New Testament biblical story of the Spies or Thieves from Canaan. It is further decorated by foliate details and an outer border of elongated ovals and small lozenges. Notice the original patina on the back of the piece. It is a wonderful addition to any brass collection and a decorative piece.

The depiction of the Spies from Canaan is a common theme for alms plates. The two men, Jacob and Caleb were sent ahead by Moses to spy out the promised land of Canaan and who cut a bunch of grapes and carried it back on a pole. See the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, M.124-1937 for a similar alms plate, from the late 15th/early 16th centuries.

PLACE OF ORIGIN
Belgium/Germany | Europe

PERIOD
Late 17th century

DATE
Circa 1670

DIMENSIONS
Width 14.5 Depth 14.5 Height 1.5 inches See less