Nomos 5

Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia. Medal (Silver, 49mm, 24.73 g 12), an original struck example, from the circle of Nickel Milicz, Joachimsthal, undated but c. 1550. PASTORES.IN.INVENIVNT.MARIA.IOSEPH.Z.INFANTEM:IESVM:POSITV.IN.PRAE.LVC.Z Elaborate but partially ruinous stable building, with columns and arches; within, the infant Jesus with Maria kneeling and Joseph standing beside Him and, around, three shepherds: one coming in from the left, and one kneeling and another standing on the right; at the center, cow looking at the Child; on the right, donkey; above, shining through the roof, Star of Bethlehem. Rev. MAGI.AB.ORIENTE.CHRISTO.MVNERA.DEFERVNT.AVRVM.THVS.Z.MYRRHAM.MA.II Elaborate but partially ruinous stable building, with columns and arches; within, Maria seated right, holding the infant Jesus; before her, the three Magi, two standing and one kneeling, offering three covered chalices containing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; behind, male figure walking right (Joseph?); above, shining through the roof, Star of Bethlehem. Katz 406. Kress, Goppel-Plum, 47. Very rare as a struck example. Lightly toned and very sharp and well struck. Very light traces of a removed mount, otherwise, extremely fine.

The high relief and careful workmanship of this piece make it really exceptionally nice; and the fact that it is struck and not cast gives it a wonderful sharpness. The scenes are filled with endearing details, like the way the central shepherd has taken off his cap in respect to the Child, or the beautiful vessels the Magi used to contain their gifts (which look rather like elaborate ciboria, pyxides, or covered chalices; the one held by the Magus on the left even has a kneeling figure as a handle on top)! Milicz was a prominent exponent of the Central European style of engraving that was based in Bohemia. He worked primarily in Joachimstal c. 1545-1573, but also cut dies at the Imperial mint in Prague c. 1568.