Medallion with the Face of Christ

Unknown

ca. 1380–1400 · Baltic amber with traces of paint · The Cloisters

Carved from amber, a honey-colored fossilized pine resin, this luminous image seems to echo medieval prayers that praise the Face of Jesus, shining with “the semblance of divine splendor.” Europe’s amber trade was controlled by the Teutonic Knights, whose castles dominated the Baltic coast. Amber carvers made rosary beads and, occasionally, for princely patrons, statuettes of saints or holy images like this one, framed in silver or ivory. Only two other examples survive, both with silver frames.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1380–1400

Medium

Baltic amber with traces of paint

Culture

Polish

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 2011