Folding Shrine with Virgin and Child
Unknown Artist
ca. 1340–50
Medium
Elephant ivory with metal mounts
Dimensions
Overall (open): 11 x 6 3/16 x 2 1/16 in. (27.9 x 15.7 x 5.3 cm) Overall (Closed): 11 x 2 11/16 x 2 in. (27.9 x 6.9 x 5.1 cm) Central element without base and finials: 6 15/16 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (17.7 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm) Inner wings L & R: 6 7/16 x 1 1/16 x 1/4 in. (16.3 x 2.7 x 0.6 cm) Outer wings L & R: 6 9/16 x 1 x 1/4 in. (16.7 x 2.6 x 0.6 cm) Base: 1 5/8 x 2 1/16 x 2 3/4 in. (4.1 x 5.3 x 7 cm)
Classification
Ivories-Elephant
Culture
French
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
Accession Number
30.95.115
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Folding Shrine with Virgin and Child*, crafted France around 1340–50, exemplifies the refined artistry of medieval ivory carving. Made from elephant ivory with metal mounts, this portable object opens to reveal a central figure of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by hinged wings that likely depict attendant saints or angels. When closed, it compacts neatly for travel, measuring just 11 x 2 11/16 inches, transforming into a protective tabernacle-like container—a clever design suited for pilgrims or private prayer. Ivory was a luxurious medium in the Gothic era,...