3 3/16 in. x 4 11/16 in. x 1/2 in. (8.1 cm x 11.91 cm x 1.27 cm)
Object Type
carving
Creation Place
Europe, France
Medium and Support
traces of paint on ivory
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
2005.3
Ivory was a popular material in the later Middle Ages, often used for images of the Virgin Mary and for small devotional works, like this two-paneled item, known as a diptych. Such works were held in the hands and gazed at in moments o
In the later Middle Ages, panel painting took on a prominent role, and Christian subject matter remained popular. In this piece, painted by someone familiar with the work of Hans Memling, the artist has shown off the skills needed to create rich textures and surfaces that almost fool the eye into thinking they are real. The painter also demonstrated a knowledge of the ancient sculpture of Rome and luxurious imported textiles. f personal prayer. Items like this were often carved in specialized workshops in Paris, but the elephant ivory was imported from Africa.
Additional Media
reverse
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