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A REMARKABLE SPECIMEN FROM THE
VAN BEUNINGEN FAMILY COLLECTION

In the early spring of 2000 a remarkable find occurred in soil which was removed from an archaeological site in the centre of Dordrecht: an exceptionally well preserved lead-tin diptych, still bearing traces of polychrome painting. The diptych consists of two different, open-work parts, joined together.

The diptych is at the same time a mirror badge and probably also a reliquary: the painted representation is painted on a thick, coarsely fibred, humous layer, which presumably held some significance as a relic.
See HP2 /Sacred and Profane 2, fig. 1370. More about the research into techniques, materials and the restoration of the diptych by the Foundation Restoration Atelier Limburg on pp. 59-78] .

Dated: 1375-1425

fig.1: The exterior of the diptych, after restoration

The two small plates, in the form of houses, are worked in relief.

<Left: Mary and her Child, flanked by Catherine and Barbara. Within the frame of the roof Mary’s Holy Tunic.

>Right: Christ the Saviour standing between Cornelius and Anthony. Within the frame of the roof the True Visage of Christ (Vera Icon)