Paten 1625 - 1626

This paten was made by Adam Pijart sometime between 1579 and 1679, and it’s currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Look closely at how the artist has structured the composition. The circular form is divided into two distinct areas: a plain, broad outer ring, and a central, embossed medallion. The figures within this central space are arranged in a dynamic, almost chaotic manner around the central figure, who rises vertically, drawing the eye upwards. The raised relief technique creates a sense of depth and movement, and the texture captures and reflects light, adding to the visual drama. Pijart has structured the visual elements to convey the scene’s theological meaning, while his formal arrangement draws our attention not only to the narrative, but also to the object’s symbolic role in the liturgical process. The object’s very form underscores its cultural significance.