Plaque with Saint Paul

Date: 550–600

Geography: Made in Antioch or Kaper Koraon (?)

Culture: Byzantine

Medium: Silver, originally partially gilt

Dimensions: Overall: 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 9/16 in. (27.3 x 21.6 x 1.5 cm)
Overall (Mount with 50.5.2): 15 x 22 x 7/8 in. (38.1 x 55.9 x 2.2 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1950

Accession Number: 50.5.1

Description

The typical image of Saint Paul—with a long face, receding hairline, and pointed beard—was established during the first centuries of the Christian church. Here Paul holds a book, an appropriate symbol for the author of many of the texts of the New Testament. This plaque and the one showing Saint Peter under a similar arch may have flanked a lost central panel depicting Christ, as parts of an icon, or religious devotional image.

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