Miniature Relief of Hebrew Prophet Daniel (?) with Scroll

Art Historical Context

This exquisite miniature relief, dating from 1200–1225, depicts what is likely the Hebrew prophet Daniel holding a scroll, a symbol of divine prophecy from the Old Testament. Crafted by an unknown German artist, the sculpture measures just under 2 inches tall, exemplifying the delicate scale of medieval wood carvings. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval department, it entered the collection through the bequest of George Blumenthal 1941. Carved from wood and enhanced with vibrant polychromy—painted colors—and gilding, the piece showcases sophisticated techniques of the High Mid...