Four Icons from a Pair of Doors (Panels), possibly part of a Polyptych: John the Theologian and Prochoros, the Baptism (Epiphany), Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis), and Saint Nicholas
Unknown Artist
early 15th century
Medium
Tempera and gold on wood
Dimensions
Overall ((a) St John and Prochoros on Patmos): 10 1/16 × 7 3/8 × 3/8 in. (25.5 × 18.8 × 0.9 cm) Overall ((b) Baptism): 10 5/16 × 7 3/8 × 3/8 in. (26.2 × 18.7 × 0.9 cm) Overall ((c) Anastasis): 10 5/16 × 7 1/4 × 3/8 in. (26.2 × 18.4 × 0.9 cm) Overall ((d) St. Nicholas): 10 13/16 × 7 3/8 × 5/16 in. (27.4 × 18.8 × 0.8 cm)
Classification
Paintings-Icons
Culture
Byzantine
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mary and Michael Jaharis Gift, 2013
Accession Number
2013.980a–d
Tags
Art Historical Context
These four exquisite icons, likely panels from a pair of church doors or part of a larger polyptych, hail from early 15th-century Byzantium, a time when Orthodox Christian art flourished amid the empire's final centuries. Crafted by an unknown artist, they depict pivotal scenes: Saint John the Theologianating the Book of Revelation to his disciple Prochoros on Pat; Christ's Baptism (Epiphany) in the River; the Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis), showing Christ triumphing over death; and the revered Saint Nicholas, bishop and miracle-worker. Measuring about 10 by 7 inches each, these wooden panels o...