Carved ivory plaque: nimbed man standing, left hand on his chest, head turned to the left, framed by vegetal motifs. Front view.

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.

 

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Polychrome wooden sculpture of a standing angel musician playing the lute. Front view on a neutral background.

Angel playing a lute, Cl. 12848 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Angel playing a lute

15th century