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Reliquary Casket with the Deesis, Archangels, and the Twelve Apostles

950–1000
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 303
On the lid of the casket is a Deesis composition showing Christ enthroned in majesty, flanked by the Virgin, John the Forerunner (the Baptist), and archangels. Roundels containing portraits of saints, identified by carefully carved Greek inscriptions, decorate the sides of the casket.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Reliquary Casket with the Deesis, Archangels, and the Twelve Apostles
  • Date: 950–1000
  • Geography: Made in probably in Constantinople
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Elephant ivory, with gilt-copper alloy mounts
  • Dimensions: Overall (with mounts): 2 13/16 x 7 3/16 x 4 1/4 in. (7.1 x 18.3 x 10.8 cm)
    Overall (without mounts): 2 5/8 x 7 3/16 x 4 in. (6.7 x 18.3 x 10.2 cm)
    Top: 7 3/16 x 3 13/16 x 3/8 in. (18.3 x 9.7 x 1 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories-Elephant
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.238
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

Audio

Cover Image for 2720. Reliquary Casket with the Deesis, Archangels, and the Twelve Apostles

2720. Reliquary Casket with the Deesis, Archangels, and the Twelve Apostles

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