UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, German
(active 15th century in Lower Saxony)

Agraffe with a Depiction of the Virgin and Saints

15th century
Copper and silver with gilding, height 22 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

This massive clasp for a bishop's vestments was once kept in Cologne Cathedral. It bears relief images of the Virgin and Sts Helen, Andrew, and James with little figures of angels making music.