Panels from an Ivory Casket with the Story of Adam and Eve
This panel is one from a series of scenes of the lives of Adam and Eve that originally decorated a small box. On this panel Adam and Eve, identified with Greek inscriptions, work at a metal forge; on the other panel they harvest grain (see 17.190.138). Two intact caskets that show similar scenes of Adam and Eve's toil also display Ploutos, the personification of wealth-a reminder to the owner of the treasure stored in the casket that prosperity is a gift from God and that God favors those who repent of their sins.
Artwork Details
- Title: Panels from an Ivory Casket with the Story of Adam and Eve
- Date: 10th or 11th century
- Geography: Made in Constantinople
- Culture: Byzantine
- Medium: Elephant ivory, gilding, and polychromy
- Dimensions: Overall: 2 9/16 x 3 7/8 x 3/16 in. (6.5 x 9.9 x 0.5 cm)
- Classification: Ivories-Elephant
- Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
- Object Number: 17.190.139
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Byzantine
late 900s
Byzantine
mid-10th century
Byzantine
521
Byzantine
521
Byzantine
early 9th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
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.