Bookbinding plate, Apostle, Cl. 393 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Bookbinding plate: Apostle

Description

On display - room 2

9th century

Early Middle Ages

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.

 

From one artwork to another

Chapiteau à décor d'acanthe, abbaye de Saint-Denis, Cl. 12114 a © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Chapiteaux à décor d'acanthe

Ve, VIe ou VIIe siècle

Bookbinding plate, Crucifixion, Holy Women at the Tomb, Ascension and Christ Blessing, Cl. 13064 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Bookbinding plate

11th century