Panel with Byzantine Ivory Carving of the Crucifixion

Unknown

10th century (ivory); late 11th century (setting) · Silver-gilt with pseudo-filigree, glass, crystal, and sapphire cabochons, ivory on wood support · Medieval Art

Byzantine ivories were highly prized in western Europe, where they survived in church treasuries or were incorporated into deluxe book bindings. The ivory from the panel on the left originally formed the center of a Byzantine three-paneled icon. It may have been one of the many gifts to the Nunnery of Santa Cruz de la Serós, which was founded by Queen Felicia (d. 1085), wife of Sancho V Ramírez (r. 1076–94), king of Aragon and Navarre. The sumptuous cover also contains a sapphire seal, located to the right of Saint John, inscribed in Arabic with four of the ninety-nine “Beautiful Names” of God.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century (ivory); late 11th century (setting)

Medium

Silver-gilt with pseudo-filigree, glass, crystal, and sapphire cabochons, ivory on wood support

Culture

Byzantine (ivory); Spanish (setting)

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917