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Ampulla (Flask) of Saint Menas

ca. 610–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 300
Pilgrim flasks (ampullae) bearing the image of Saint Menas flanked by two camels are associated with the pilgrimage center that developed around the tomb of the Egyptian soldier who was martyred during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (r.284–305).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ampulla (Flask) of Saint Menas
  • Date: ca. 610–50
  • Culture: Byzantine (Egypt)
  • Medium: Earthenware, molded
  • Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/8 x 2 11/16 x 11/16 in. (8.5 x 6.9 x 1.8 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.194.2291
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

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Textile fragment: walking ram with a neckband and fluttering ribbons, Wool, cotton, Sasanian
Textile fragment: walking ram with a neckband and fluttering ribbons
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ca. 7th century CE
Pilgrim Flask, Earthenware, Coptic
Pilgrim Flask
Coptic
4th–7th century
Doorway from the Church of San Nicolò, San Gemini, Marble (Lunense marble from Carrara), Central Italian
Doorway from the Church of San Nicolò, San Gemini
Central Italian
carved 1000s, assembled 1100s or 1200s
Panel with Horse Heads, Wood (teak); carved
Panel with Horse Heads
11th century
Flask, Partially glazed earthenware, British
Flask
British
1400–1600

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