Icon with the Crucifixion

Icon with the Crucifixion

Christ being crucified with the Virgin Mary, John the Evangelist, Three soldiers, and Hades

This ivory scene of the Crucifixion has Jesus being crucified as the center piece. On his left is his mother Mary and on the right is Saint John the Evangelist. Under his feet are three soldiers casting lots for Christ’s cloak. Below the soldiers the Cross pierces Hades’ torso. Above, an elaborately delicately carved canopy frames the scene. The small size of this ivory suggests that it was used in the context of private devotion.

Constantinople

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mid 10th Century

Christina Ball

Art of Devotion

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464428

Ivory (15.1 × 8.9 × 0.8 cm)

Icon

17.190.44