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Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Annunciation to the Virgin

7th–8th century

Not on view

The original use and arrangement of these fourteen ivories of the So-called Grado Chair with scenes from the life of Christ, depictions of saints, and of Saint Mark as first bishop of Alexandria remain uncertain. They may have been part of a liturgical throne given by Emperor Heraclius (r. 610–41) to Grado, Italy, after his successful re-conquest of Egypt.
Exquisitely carved, this ivory shows the archangel Gabriel gesturing toward the Virgin before a building with an elaborate pediment.

Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Annunciation to the Virgin, Ivory — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: Annunciation to the Virgin

Date: 7th–8th century

Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt

Medium: Ivory

Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 1/4 in. (19.7 x 9.5 x 0.6 cm)

Classification: Ivories

Credit Line: Civiche Raccolte d’Arte Applicata—Castle Sforzesco, Milan (avori n. 14)

Accession Number: isl725

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.