These gilded and enameled copper plates, called armillae (sing. armilla), were affixed with cords or ribbons to the shoulders of ceremonial or liturgical vestments. Originating in Roman times, when they were given to soldiers as emblems of valor, armillae remained popular signs of status and prestige in Europe up through the Middle Ages. Vanishingly few medieval examples have survived, however, making this remarkably well-preserved set exceptionally significant. This pair of armillae was likely given by Frederick Barbarossa, Holy Roman Emperor in the 12th century, as a gift to the Russian prince Andrey Bogolyubsky in c. 1170. The beautifully enameled scenes […]
