Artwork Page for Christ's Mission to the Apostles

Details / Information for Christ's Mission to the Apostles

Christ's Mission to the Apostles

c. 970–980

Ottonian, Italy, Milan, Gothic period, 10th century

Medium
ivory
Measurements
Overall: 18.2 x 9.9 x 1 cm (7 3/16 x 3 7/8 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1967.65
Public Domain
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Location
106C Medieval Treasury
Print

Description

This ivory plaque represents a full-length figure of Christ flanked by bust-length portraits of the twelve apostles, six in a vertical column on each side. With his large eyes fixed on the beholder and his mouth slightly open, Christ seems about to speak to the apostles, charging them with the mission of preaching the Gospel to the world. The plaque may originally have formed the central decoration of a precious Gospel book cover that may have looked much like the one Christ carries in this image.
This vertical ivory plaque features a central carving of Christ with a circular halo and long, pleated robes. He holds a book in his left hand while raising his right hand in blessing. Twelve smaller busts of men look inward from the sides. An intricate border of stylized, wavy leaves frames the scene. Four small holes are visible in the corners of the rectangular carving, which shows fine vertical cracks.

Christ's Mission to the Apostles

c. 970–980

Ottonian, Italy, Milan, Gothic period, 10th century

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