Plaque with the Descent from the Cross

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory plaque, carved around 1320–40 in France, captures the poignant biblical scene of the Descent from the Cross, central moment in Christ's Passion. At its heart, the lifeless body of Jesus is tenderly lowered by figures including the sorrowful Virgin Mary, surrounded by mourners in a composition rich with emotion. Measuring just 9⅛ × 7³∕₁₆ inches, this small-scale devotional object would have been treasured by medieval worshippers for private prayer or as part of a diptych or portable altarpiece. Crafted from whale bone—a rare and durable material prized for its creamy translucency—and adorned with traces of paint and gilding, the plaque exemplifies Gothic ivory carving techniques. Artisans meticulously incised fine details like flowing drapery and expressive faces, enhancing the narrative drama. The subtle remnants of color and gold highlight the era's blend of realism and spirituality, making sacred stories vivid and accessible. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art department (gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917), this anonymous French masterpiece reflects the devotional fervor of 14th-century Europe, where such ivories bridged the divine and everyday life, inspiring contemplation amid the Black Death's shadow.