Circular Box (Pyxis) with the Miracle of Christ’s Multiplication of the Loaves

Unknown

6th century · Ivory with polychromy · Medieval Art

In this depiction of the Miracle of the Loaves (Mark 8:1–6), an enthroned Christ is flanked by Saints Peter and Paul. Other disciples carry the loaves of bread he has miraculously produced to feed the multitude, loaves that the early church associated with the bread of the Eucharist. It is possible that containers like this were used in connection with the Divine Liturgy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th century

Medium

Ivory with polychromy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917