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Morgan Casket

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Morgan Casket

Object Name:
Casket
Date:
11th–12th century
Geography:
Southern Italy
Medium:
Ivory; carved
Dimensions:
Overall: H. 8 7/8 in. (22.3 cm) W. 15 3/16 in. (38.6 cm) D. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm) Lid: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm) W. 14 5/16 in. (36.4 cm) D. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm) Container: H. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm) W. 15 3/16 in. (38.6 cm) D. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number:
17.190.241

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 457

  • Description

    One of the most accomplished examples of carved ivory known from Norman Italy, this so-called "Morgan casket" is also one of the clearest expressions of the international artistic milieu in which it was created. Pairs of men in turbans and tunics stand guard at the corners of the casket, recalling in style and programmatic use similar figures on the ceiling of the Cappella Palatina at Palermo. Medallions on the side panels are filled with fantastic beasts and birds, which are hunted by men with spears.

  • Provenance

    G. Vermeersch, Brussels(in 1880); [ Bourgeois Frères, Cologne, until 1904; sale, Krings andLempertz, Cologne, October 27–29, 1904, no. 1055]; [ Galerie A. Imbert, Rome, until 1910; sold to Morgan]; J. Pierpont Morgan, New York (1910–d. 1913; his estate 1913–17)

  • See also
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
140004222

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