Writing Tablet with Crucifixion and the Adoration of the Magi
Unknown Artist
mid-14th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
Overall: 4 x 2 7/16 x 3/16 in. (10.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 cm)
Classification
Ivories
Culture
East French or Rhenish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Maxime Levy Hermanos, 1979
Accession Number
1979.521.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite ivory writing tablet, crafted by an unknown artist in the-14th century, hails from East French or Rhen workshops—regions renowned for their masterful Gothic ivory carvings. Measuring just 4 x 2 7/16 inches, its delicate scale belies its dual purpose: a portable devotional object with intricately carved scenes of the Crucifixion the Adoration of the Magi on the exterior, likely paired with a wax-filled interior for jotting notes or prayers. Ivory, a luxurious material sourced from elephant tusks, symbolized piety and status in medieval Europe. These tablets were cherished by cle...