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Four Icons from a Pair of Doors (Panels), possibly part of a Polyptych: John the Theologian and Prochoros, the Baptism (Epiphany), Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis), and Saint Nicholas

early 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 303
Exquisitely painted, these icons represent the height of icon painting during the last decades of Byzantine rule from Constantinople. Detailed representations of the Baptism of Christ and the Anastasis, the Easter image of the Orthodox Church, animate the major events with related narratives. Saint John dictates to his scribe, Prochoros, in their cave on the island of Patmos in a Byzantine style. Saint Nicholas is shown as bishop of Myra with detailed narratives of two of his miracles. His liturgical robes display flowing drapery reflecting the artist’s awareness of Italian, possibly Venetian, art.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Four Icons from a Pair of Doors (Panels), possibly part of a Polyptych: John the Theologian and Prochoros, the Baptism (Epiphany), Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis), and Saint Nicholas
  • Date: early 15th century
  • Geography: Made in Crete ?
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall ((a) St John and Prochoros on Patmos): 10 1/16 × 7 3/8 × 3/8 in. (25.5 × 18.8 × 0.9 cm)
    Overall ((b) Baptism): 10 5/16 × 7 3/8 × 3/8 in. (26.2 × 18.7 × 0.9 cm)
    Overall ((c) Anastasis): 10 5/16 × 7 1/4 × 3/8 in. (26.2 × 18.4 × 0.9 cm)
    Overall ((d) St. Nicholas): 10 13/16 × 7 3/8 × 5/16 in. (27.4 × 18.8 × 0.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings-Icons
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mary and Michael Jaharis Gift, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.980a–d
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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