Hanging Lamp in the Form of a Peacock

6th–7th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 301
Conjuring images of the garden of paradise and heavenly splendor,
the peacock became a Christian symbol in the 300s.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hanging Lamp in the Form of a Peacock
  • Date: 6th–7th century
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Copper alloy, cast
  • Dimensions: Overall (Lamp only): 6 x 6 x 2 1/16 in. (15.2 x 15.2 x 5.3 cm)
    Overall (with object suspended): 14 5/8 x 6 x 2 1/16 in. (37.1 x 15.2 x 5.3 cm)
    cross on chain: 2 5/16 x 1 1/8 x 3/8 in. (5.9 x 2.8 x 1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1961
  • Object Number: 61.111a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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