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The Christian Church Triumphant (cat. 16-30)

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21

Plaque with an Apostle(?)


Ivory
Early Christian, 6th century AD
Height: 3 1/4 inches (8.3 cm.)
Private Collection

This carved plaque preserves a portion of a lidded circular box (pyx) on which a draped figure approaches a second figure (fragmentary) seated on a throne. An altar, hanging lamp and ciborium depicted at the far left confirm the Christian setting. Such pyxides in ivory with mythological or Christian scenes are numerous. It is likely that pyxides with Christian and pagan subject matter were produced in the same workshops during the 5th and 6th centuries.



Of importance to this exhibition, Christian and pagan subjects were used concurrently in the 5th and 6th centuries for the decoration of these precious little boxes and that pyxides with pagan subjects and pyxides with Christian subjects were likely produced in the same workshops.

Please select from the thumbnails below:

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