Book Cover Plaque with Christ in Majesty and the Symbols of the Four Evangelists
Unknown Artist
11th century
Medium
Elephant ivory
Dimensions
Overall: 6 1/4 x 2 15/16 x 1/2 in. (15.9 x 7.5 x 1.2 cm)
Classification
Ivories-Elephant
Culture
German
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.35
Tags
About this artwork
This ivories-elephant from German, dating to 11th century, provides valuable insight into the artistic practices and material culture of its era. Created in elephant ivory, this work embodies the material practices and technical knowledge of its era. Artists' choices of materials reflected both practical availability and symbolic associations, with different media carrying distinct cultural meanings and artistic possibilities. Understanding historical techniques and materials enriches our apprec...