l Form: The paten is 35 cm in diameter and made of over 300 components.
l Function: The large paten would have been used for distributing communion bread to the congregation and it would have been carried in procession.
l Technique: The beaten silver dish has a gilt bronze rim, which is decorated with gold filigree panels and cloisonné enamel studs (Fig. 24.18). The rim is riveted on to the silver dish. A ring of trichinopoly wire, in copper and silver, frames the decorated upper rim and conceals the joint between it and the side panels. Die-stamped gold foil panels decorate the sides of the rim and the foot.
l Decoration: The design of the filigree panels relate closely to those on the Ardagh Chalice, as do the enamel studs. The quality of the
decorative elements is very high. l
l
Animal, human and abstract designs are used in the filigree (Fig. 24.19).
There are 24 glass enamel studs around the upper rim of the paten; the number is probably a reference to the 24 elders of the Apocalypse who were seated around the throne of God. These studs are in two groups: 12 larger and 12 smaller, perhaps a reference to the apostles. The 12 smaller studs are set in little cups containing fine filigree. These studs hide the rivets that join
Figure 24.18 (above) The Derrynaflan Paten, viewed from above.
Figure 24.19 (left) The Derrynaflan Paten, a section of the rim showing human interlace filigree and enamel studs.
CHAPTER 24 THE GOLDEN AGE (7TH AND 8TH CENTURIES) 345 l
the components of the paten together. All the studs are more patterned and colourful than any we have seen before.
The die-stamped gold panels on the side of the rim are decorated with interlace and scroll patterns. The panels on the foot are similar, but not as finely made.
Visit www.100objects.ie/derrynaflan-paten to see some close-up photographs of the paten. Draw some of the filigree and studs to help you understand how they were made.
Create a painting that makes reference to the people and animals you have seen represented in the works of art we have looked at in this chapter. Think about the colours and patterns that were used in the 7th and 8th centuries.
