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Circular Box (Pyxis) with the Miracle of Christ’s Multiplication of the Loaves

6th century
Not on view
In this depiction of the Miracle of the Loaves (Mark 8:1–6), an enthroned Christ is flanked by Saints Peter and Paul. Other disciples carry the loaves of bread he has miraculously produced to feed the multitude, loaves that the early church associated with the bread of the Eucharist. It is possible that containers like this were used in connection with the Divine Liturgy.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Circular Box (Pyxis) with the Miracle of Christ’s Multiplication of the Loaves
  • Date: 6th century
  • Geography: Made in Spain (lid); Made in North Africa (box)
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Elephant ivory with polychromy
  • Dimensions: Overall (with lid): 3 1/2 x 4 3/8 x 5 1/2 in. (8.9 x 11.1 x 14 cm)
    Overall (without lid): 3 x 4 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (7.6 x 10.8 x 13.3 cm)
    Top: 1/2 x 4 3/8 x 5 1/2 in. (1.3 x 11.1 x 14 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories-Elephant
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.34a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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Circular Box (Pyxis) with Scenes from the Infancy of Jesus, Elephant ivory with traces of polychromy, French
Circular Box (Pyxis) with Scenes from the Infancy of Jesus
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Plaque with the Virgin Mary as a Personification of the Church
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Plaque with Christ Receiving Magdeburg Cathedral from Emperor Otto I, Elephant ivory, Ottonian
Plaque with Christ Receiving Magdeburg Cathedral from Emperor Otto I
Ottonian
ca. 962–968
Situla (Bucket for Holy Water), Elephant ivory with gilded copper-alloy mounts and foil inlays, Carolingian
Situla (Bucket for Holy Water)
Carolingian
860–880
Relief Panel with Two Griffins Drinking from a Cup, Marble, polychromy, South Italian
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South Italian
late 9th–early 10th century

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