Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Raising of Lazarus

7th–8th century
Not on view
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 haloed Christ miraculously raises Lazarus from the dead. Upright in his tomb, Lazarus is wrapped in narrow strips of cloth that served as burial bandages.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Raising of Lazarus
  • Date: 7th–8th century
  • Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: 7 11/16 x 3 7/16 x 1/4 in. (19.5 x 8.8 x 0.7 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: The British Museum, London (1856,0623.26)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters