Plaque: The Crucifixion and Virgin and Child with Angels
Unknown Artist
c. 1250–70
Medium
ivory
Dimensions
12.7 × 7.6 × 1.3 cm
Classification
Ivory
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1929.437
About this artwork
This elegant panel once served as the center of an ivory triptych. Set into an intricate architectural frame that recalls Gothic forms, the figures are carved in three-quarter relief, suggesting free-standing sculptures placed in niches. Below, two standing angels bearing candles flank an elegant Virgin and Child. Above, the crucified Christ is shown tormented by the Roman soldiers Longinus and Stephaton, who flank him on either side.