The Wyvern Collection: Byzantine, and Sasanian Silver Enamels and Works of Art

Art historian and curator Marco Aimone presents a portion of the extensive Wyvern Collection. While the 10-pound book looks more like a gym weight than an artistic catalog, it is a thorough record that provides provenance to hundreds of archeological artifacts. Because the Wyvern Collection is one of the largest, most well-regarded private collections of medieval art in the world, this is only the third volume of the full catalog. At first glance, a silver tray or an enamel jug does not appear like a masterpiece; however, the intricate handiwork of Late Antiquity and early Middle Ages (fourth century CE through the 15th century) metalsmiths elevate regular household objects into art. After all, it is through the understanding of everyday objects that the modern era connects with the past. Unfortunately, the work may come across as too dense for the average reader and better as a reference material in academic settings.