Lampstand

500–800

Not on view

Early churches emphasized the association of Christ with light (John 8:12) through the use of multiple lamps, often given by the faithful as donations. Surviving mosaics show that tall lampstands with candles were placed near altars. This lampstand, like that in the mosaic displayed here, has a pricket at the top to support a candle. It may also have held an oil lamp similar to those exhibited in the gallery on the opposite side of the Grand Staircase.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Lampstand
Date: 500–800
Culture: Byzantine
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Overall: 54 x 9 in. (137.2 x 22.9 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1956
Object Number: 56.15.2
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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