Double-Sided Ivory Liturgical Comb with Scenes of Henry II and Thomas Becket

Unknown

ca. 1200–1210 · Elephant ivory · Medieval Art

Liturgical combs were used by priests before celebrating mass. This comb with two scenes of the life of Saint Thomas Becket-one showing Henry II naming him archbishop of Canterbury, the other of his martyrdom-is remarkable for the accuracy of the events portrayed. The classicizing naturalism of the figures and floral ornament are important features of the Gothic style of English art around 1200.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1200–1210

Medium

Elephant ivory

Culture

British

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Schimmel Foundation Inc., Mrs. Maxime L. Hermanos, Lila Acheson Wallace, Nathaniel Spear Jr., Mrs. Katherine S. Rorimer, William Kelly Simpson, Alastair B. Martin and Anonymous Gifts, 1988