Bookbinding plate: Apostle

This plate depicts a haloed figure, dressed in a toga and holding a scroll. Identified as an apostle, he bends his knees slightly and places a hand on his chest, as disciples often do when greeting Christ. The frieze around the character is adorned with thick acanthus, featuring regular holes where precious inlays should have been found.

It is likely that this representation faithfully reproduces an ancient sculpture. The round, flat forms depicted under the apostle's feet could be a misinterpretation of ancient sandals. Through this amusing detail, this plate is evidence of the production methods of Carolingian ivory art.