When was "Plaque with the Descent from the Cross" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1320–40.

What medium is "Plaque with the Descent from the Cross"?

Plaque with the Descent from the Cross is Ivory, whale bone, traces of paint and gilding.

Is "Plaque with the Descent from the Cross" in the public domain?

Yes, Plaque with the Descent from the Cross is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Plaque with the Descent from the Cross

Unknown Artist

ca. 1320–40

Medium

Ivory, whale bone, traces of paint and gilding

Dimensions

Overall: 9 1/8 x 7 3/16 x 13/16 in. (23.2 x 18.3 x 2.1 cm)

Classification

Ivories|Ivories-Whale

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Accession Number

17.190.199

Tags

Descent from the CrossChristVirgin Mary

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 trans...

Plaque with the Descent from the Cross

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