Plaque with Saint John the Evangelist

Unknown

early 9th century · Elephant ivory · The Cloisters

The Evangelist, accompanied by his symbol, the eagle, displays the opening text of his gospel. The deep layering of his tunic folds adds life and vigor to the Classical drapery forms. The roughly lettered inscription on the upper border, added at an early date, translates: "The word of John soars to heaven like an eagle." This plaque once was thought to be from a book cover, but it is now argued that this panel and three more, which represent the other authors of the Gospels, formed the wings of a triptych flanking an image of Christ in the central panel.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 9th century

Medium

Elephant ivory

Culture

Carolingian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1977