Artwork
Ornamental Lancet Heads
Ornamental Lancet Heads is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1350 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Ornamental Lancet Heads is a decorative work centered on botanical motifs, depicting leaves and flowers arranged within the tall, narrow lancet format suggested by its title. The lancet shape, a pointed arch drawn from Gothic architectural vocabulary, frames the plant imagery and lends the composition a vertical, soaring quality typical of medieval ornamental design. Dated to around 1350, the work belongs to a tradition of stylized foliate ornament in which plant forms served aesthetic and decorative purposes, with the pointed-arch framing evoking ecclesiastical architecture.
History & Provenance
Created around 1350 by an unknown artist, Ornamental Lancet Heads depicts floral and leaf motifs and is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 68.224.12, a designation corresponding to a 1968 acquisition. The painting measures 34.3 cm in height by 27.8 cm in width. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
The composition incorporates three circular elements, each adorned with botanical imagery, set against a dark, contrasting background.
This artwork, titled Ornamental Lancet Heads, presents a vibrant stained glass window design. It features a prominent heart-shaped motif filled with a rich palette of colors. The composition incorporates three circular elements, each adorned with botanical imagery, set against a dark, contrasting background. The overall impression is one of intricate craftsmanship and striking visual appeal, characteristic of decorative glasswork.
Technique & Style
The piece exemplifies the traditional method of stained glass construction, where numerous small, cut glass sections are meticulously joined to form a cohesive image. This technique allows for the creation of distinct, brightly colored areas that stand out sharply against the darker surrounding elements. The precise fitting of individual glass pieces contributes to the design's clarity and the overall luminosity of the artwork.
Artist & collection
