Carved ivory casket depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology and warfare. Three-quarter view.

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

Carved ivory casket adorned with plaques depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. Front view.

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

Carved ivory casket adorned with plaques depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. Front view.

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

Coffret en ivoire sculpté : couvercle orné d’une scène de guerre (chars, cavaliers, combattants). Vue de face.

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

Carved ivory casket: slightly open lid adorned with a battle scene (chariots, horsemen, warriors). Front view.

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

Carved ivory casket adorned with plaques depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. Front view.

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

Carved ivory casket adorned with plaques depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. Front view.

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

Carved ivory plaque depicting a Crucifixion scene surrounded by historical scenes. Front view.

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

Bookbinding plate

11th century

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