Netherlandish or German
Boxwood
Overall 2 7/16 x 13/16 in. (6.2 x 2.1 cm)
Gift of Ruth Blumka, in honor of Ashton Hawkins, 1985 (1985.136)
Astonishing for its elaborate design, intricate details, and dense compositions, all rendered with flawless precision, this miniature carving in the shape of a sarcophagus tells the story of the poor man Lazarus, who was denied charity by the rich man Dives. A poignant example of the fearful preoccupation with death that pervaded the later Middle Ages, the images illustrate the belief that Lazarus, after he had been left to starve by Dives and was miraculously resurrected by Christ, dreaded passing through death’s door a second time. The scenes reflect the belief in salvation through faith and good works as well as the inexorability of final judgment. On the outer lid are trumpeting angels raising souls for judgment. As the inner lid is lifted, Dives, in chains, is seen inside the sarcophagus being licked by the inferno’s eternal flames; the interior of the inner lid shows a minute representation of Lazarus in the lap of Abraham in heaven. A Latin inscription intones Dives’s plea: “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, to dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:24), and Abraham’s reply: “Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted; and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25).
