Manuscript Leaf with Saint Christopher Bearing Christ

early 14th century

Not on view

This manuscript leaf was probably the frontispiece for a Book of Psalms. It depicts Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child across the stream. According to legend, when Christ ordered the saint to plant his staff into the ground, it was transformed into a vigorously growing vine bearing leaves and fruit, suggesting his divinity. The refined monumentality of the figure of Saint Christopher recalls a figural style also used in stained-glass compositions and panel painting, and is similar to that of the shrine of the Virgin (17.190.185) exhibited in this gallery.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Manuscript Leaf with Saint Christopher Bearing Christ
Date: early 14th century
Culture: German or Swiss
Medium: Tempera and gold on parchment
Dimensions: Overall: 5 7/16 x 3 11/16 in. (13.8 x 9.3 cm)
Overall (illumination): 5 1/16 x 3 1/4 in. (12.9 x 8.3 cm)
verso: 28 ruled line in light brown ink (no text): 4 5/8 x 3 5/16 in. (11.8 x 8.4 cm)
Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Atkins, Audrey Love Charitable Foundation, Wolfgang Wilhelm and Michel David-Weill Gifts, and funds from various donors, 2010
Object Number: 2010.10
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Appliqué Figure of the Apostle James, Copper alloy, cast and gilt, North German — Appliqué Figure of the Apostle James
North German
ca. 1350

Appliqué Figure of the Apostle Philip, Copper alloy, cast and gilt, North German — Appliqué Figure of the Apostle Philip
North German
ca. 1350

Diptych with Scenes of the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Resurrection, Silver gilt with translucent and opaque enamels, German — Diptych with Scenes of the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
German
1300–1325

Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight, Copper alloy, German — Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight
German
ca. 1250

Aquamanile in the Form of a Dragon, Copper alloy, North German — Aquamanile in the Form of a Dragon
North German
ca. 1200

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.