Panel with Cross and Griffins

Unknown Artist

6th–7th century

Panel with Cross and Griffins by Unknown Artist

Medium

Wood; carved and painted

Dimensions

H. 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm) W. 19 11/16 in. (50 cm) D. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm) Wt.

Classification

Wood

Department

Islamic Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1928

Accession Number

28.12

Art Historical Context

This exquisite wooden panel, carved and painted by an unknown artist in the6th–7th, offers a glimpse into the vibrant artistic traditions of the early Islamic world. Measuring just over 19 inches wide and 6 inches high, its compact form suggests it may have adorned furniture, doors, or architectural elements, showcasing the era's skilled woodworking techniques. The relief carving, enriched with paint, highlights the intricate interplay of form and color typical of Late Antique and early Islamic craftsmanship, where wood served as an accessible yet expressive medium for storytelling. At its ce...

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