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Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Fragment with Saint Mark

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 ivories from the So-called Grado Chair depict Saint Mark as founder and first bishop of the church of Alexandria. The mixture of Byzantine and Islamic elements in the decoration, especially in details of the cities, demonstrates the sophistication of ivory carvers in the eastern Mediterranean immediately before the body of the saint was transported to Venice.
On this panel, Saint Mark walks toward the left holding his Gospel in part of an unidentified scene from his life.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Fragment with Saint Mark
  • Date: 7th–8th century
  • Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 1 5/8 x 1/4 in. (19 x 4.1 x 0.6 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: Civiche Raccolte d’Arte Applicata—Castello Sforzesco, Milan (avori n. 6)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Fragment with Saint Mark - The Metropolitan Museum of Art