"The Plaque"
The object is a silver plaque that depicts a biblical scene. The detail in this piece is exquisite. To achieve the desired lighting and viewing angle the plaque must be moved while viewing. The design was inspired by an armillary. When the cover is lifted the curved prop slides down and rolls over a series of wavelets. The prop can rest in each wavelet for a different viewing angle. The center of the lid is then rotated to the desired position to achieve proper lighting. The lid snaps into place when the lid is in line with the frame that holds it. The cover can be closed with the plaque facing up to provide another display configuration. The plaque is mounted on black velvet. The woods are ebonized mahogany and wenge. The silver catch has a button specially made from a piece of mahogany obsidian to match the wood. All of the silver hardware was custom made by Tom Whiting (Masters Gallery, Camden, Maine) Many of the hardware items were initially carved in wax and then cast in sterling silver.
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