Ivory plaque with scenes from the life of Christ
Type:
Book covers,
Plaques
Date:
Ninth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Spain
Medium:
Ivory
Dimensions:
13.5 × 9.1 × 0.5 cm
Description:
This ivory plaque with scenes from the life of Christ was probably a book cover. It comes from the Kingdom of Asturias, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. The region never became part of Islamic Spain, largely because of the Cantabrian Mountains to the south. The scenes carved into this plaque are laid out much as they would be on the pages of contemporary illustrated manuscripts, with framed narratives in registers. From top to bottom, by register, the scenes are (1) the Nativity and the Annunciation to the Shepherds, (2) the Virgin and Child riding on a donkey, the three magi, and King Herod, (3) the Presentation in the Temple and the Massacre of the Innocents, and (4) the Baptism of Christ and the First Temptation.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Repository and Online Resources:
• Read more about this plaque on the website of the Walters Art Museum.
