Book Cover Plaque with Christ in Majesty and the Symbols of the Four Evangelists

11th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

Here the symbols of the four evangelists—the eagle (Saint John), the angel (Saint Matthew), the ox (Saint Luke), and the lion (Saint Mark)—hold an open book containing the first words of each Gospel. The beardless, youthful figure of Christ in the center is rare in depictions from this date.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Book Cover Plaque with Christ in Majesty and the Symbols of the Four Evangelists
Date: 11th century
Culture: German
Medium: Elephant ivory
Dimensions: Overall: 6 1/4 x 2 15/16 x 1/2 in. (15.9 x 7.5 x 1.2 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.35
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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