Artwork Page for Diptych: Scenes from the Passion and Afterlife of Christ

Details / Information for Diptych: Scenes from the Passion and Afterlife of Christ

Diptych: Scenes from the Passion and Afterlife of Christ

c. 1330–1350

France, Gothic period, 14th century

Medium
ivory
Measurements
Overall: 16.9 x 16.5 x 1.3 cm (6 5/8 x 6 1/2 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Chester D. Tripp in memory of Chester D. Tripp 1975.110
Public Domain
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Location
106C Medieval Treasury
Print

Description

The four scenes represented on this ivory diptych are Christ’s Flagellation and Crucifixion on the left panel and Christ’s Resurrection and Appearance to Mary Magdalene (Noli me tangere, or "Do not touch me"). Ivory diptychs like this one illustrating pivotal moments in the story of Christ’s Passion and resurrection served as powerful tools in the devotional practices of elite members of society during the later Middle Ages.
A cream-colored ivory diptych features two hinged panels carved with tiered, gothic scenes. On the left, Christ hangs crucified above a scene where he is bound to a pillar. On the right, a seated Christ displaying his wounds sits above a kneeling woman. Fine vertical cracks striate the material. The figures are carved in high relief within pointed arches, their expressive forms framed by delicate tracery and joined by aged metal hinges.

Diptych: Scenes from the Passion and Afterlife of Christ

c. 1330–1350

France, Gothic period, 14th century

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