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Plaque with Emmaus Scenes, ca. 860–880
Carolingian
Ivory; 4 1/2 x 9 1/4 in. (11.4 x 23.5 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1970 (1970.324.1)

This plaque probably once served as the side panel of a small, luxuriously crafted box made for a church. The decorative animal and floral motifs on the border were originally inlaid with gold. The animated carving in the center shows two scenes from the life of Christ. At the left, Christ appears after his resurrection to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him, but invite him, with bold gestures, to dine with them. At the right, the three have supper within the town walls of Emmaus, and it is there, in the breaking of the bread, where Christ's identity is revealed.


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    Plaque with Emmaus Scenes, ca. 860–880
    Carolingian
    Ivory; 4 1/2 x 9 1/4 in. (11.4 x 23.5 cm)
    The Cloisters Collection, 1970 (1970.324.1)