Evangelist Saint Mark writing the Gospel with his symbol, the Lion, holding a scroll

11th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

This ivory likely decorated the cover of a Gospel book. The abbreviated Latin inscription refers to the opening lines of Mark’s Gospel: “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” The miniature church resembles surviving monuments in Cologne, one of the most important Ottonian artistic centers. A former owner’s stamp is to the right of the desk at which Mark sits.

Artwork Details

Title: Evangelist Saint Mark writing the Gospel with his symbol, the Lion, holding a scroll
Date: 11th century
Geography: Made in Cologne, Germany
Culture: German
Medium: Elephant ivory
Dimensions: Overall: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 5/16 in. (13.9 x 10.8 x 0.8 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.36
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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