Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Saint in Orant Pose
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The original use and arrangement of these fourteen ivories of the So-called Grado Chair with scenes from the life of Christ, depictions of saints, and of Saint Mark as first bishop of Alexandria remain uncertain. They may have been part of a liturgical throne given by Emperor Heraclius (r. 610–41) to Grado, Italy, after his successful re-conquest of Egypt.
On this plaque, the unidentified saint stands in an orant, or prayer, pose. Knotted curtains in the background are hung as they often were in the Byzantine and early Islamic periods.
On this plaque, the unidentified saint stands in an orant, or prayer, pose. Knotted curtains in the background are hung as they often were in the Byzantine and early Islamic periods.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Saint in Orant Pose
- Date: 7th–8th century
- Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: 4 1/16 x 3 1/4 x 5/16 in. (10.3 x 8.3 x 0.8 cm)
- Classification: Ivories
- Credit Line: Musée National du Moyen Âge, Thermes et Hôtel de Cluny, Paris (Cl. 1932)
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters