Ivory statuette of a reclining woman

Unknown

3rd–4th century CE · Ivory · Greek and Roman Art

Ivory carving has a long history in the ancient world. The material, although regarded as a rare luxury, was used for practical objects such as handles, pins, and boxes, as well as for works of art. In late Roman times, pagan or secular subjects gradually gave way to Christian images, and ivory became a prestige medium in Byzantine art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–4th century CE

Medium

Ivory

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917