Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, Cl. 13075 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier

Casket with mythological and battles scenes, casket plaque with a warrior

Description

On display - room 2

10th century

Early Middle Ages

This casket is part of a family of approximately forty caskets produced in Constantinople around the year 1000. The frieze decor features an alternation of rosettes and stylised profiles. A series of small ivory tiles on each side represents various scenes from Greco-Roman mythology (Heracles’ adventures, the kidnappings of Ganymedes' and Dejanire) and combats in amphitheatres or war. The cover depicts a battle scene with two chariots and a fortified structure.

The enduring appreciation for ancient motifs is evident in this mass-produced piece intended for the court of the Macedonian dynasty and the lay elites.
 

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