Plaque with Saint Paul

Unknown

550–600 · Silver, originally partially gilt · Medieval Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

550–600

Medium

Silver, originally partially gilt

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1950