Platter with a Fish
In his great encyclopedia, the first-century Roman writer Pliny reports that tin plating, as seen on this platter, was invented by the Gauls. It was no doubt employed in this case to emulate silver. Numerous Gallic platters, both silver and tinned, with a fish engraved in the center still survive. The fish may have had Christian significance, but it is just as likely that it was strictly a decorative motif.
Artwork Details
- Title: Platter with a Fish
- Date: 4th–5th century
- Culture: Late Roman
- Medium: Bronze, silver overlaid
- Dimensions: Overall: 7/8 x 15 1/16 x 7 3/16 in. (2.2 x 38.2 x 18.3 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Bronze
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.100.30
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Late Roman or Byzantine
ca. 430
Roman
100–200
Roman
300–350
Late Roman
4th century
Late Roman
4th–5th century
Related Content
Timeline of Art History
Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.