Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: The Prophet Joel
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 prophet Joel points to heaven as he holds a scroll inscribed in Greek, "Then the Lord became jealous for his land, and had pity on his people" (Joel 2:18).
On this plaque, the prophet Joel points to heaven as he holds a scroll inscribed in Greek, "Then the Lord became jealous for his land, and had pity on his people" (Joel 2:18).
Artwork Details
- Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: The Prophet Joel
- Date: 7th–8th century
- Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: 3 15/16 x 3 3/8 in. (10 x 8.5 cm)
- Classification: Ivories
- Credit Line: Musée du Louvre, Département des Objets d’Art, Paris (AC 864)
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters