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Double-Sided Ivory Liturgical Comb with Scenes of Henry II and Thomas Becket

ca. 1200–1210
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
Liturgical combs were used by priests before celebrating mass. This comb with two scenes of the life of Saint Thomas Becket-one showing Henry II naming him archbishop of Canterbury, the other of his martyrdom-is remarkable for the accuracy of the events portrayed. The classicizing naturalism of the figures and floral ornament are important features of the Gothic style of English art around 1200.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Double-Sided Ivory Liturgical Comb with Scenes of Henry II and Thomas Becket
  • Date: ca. 1200–1210
  • Geography: Made in Canterbury, England (possibly)
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Elephant ivory
  • Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/8 x 3 3/8 x 1/2 in. (8.6 x 8.6 x 1.2 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories-Elephant
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Schimmel Foundation Inc., Mrs. Maxime L. Hermanos, Lila Acheson Wallace, Nathaniel Spear Jr., Mrs. Katherine S. Rorimer, William Kelly Simpson, Alastair B. Martin and Anonymous Gifts, 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.279
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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