The Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child and Scenes from the Life of Christ thumbnail 1
The Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child and Scenes from the Life of Christ thumbnail 2
+2
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

The Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child and Scenes from the Life of Christ

Triptych
ca. 1325 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

During the 14th century specialist ivory craftsmen carved both secular and religious objects in great numbers. Although Paris was the main centre of production, other workshops emerged in Italy and Germany. Some of the craftsmen may have been trained in Paris as their work often combines French and local styles.
This ivory triptych is possibly Upper Rhenish and made in the first quarter of the fourteenth century.
The Gothic Triptych was to all intents and purposes a sub-branch of the tabernacle polyptych, with a shallower central panel and two, rather than four, hinged wings. The subject matter was the same, dominated by single images of the standing Virgin and Child and scenes from the infancy of Christ. Triptychs – like diptychs – are better suited to the needs of a travelling clientele, who would wish to take these small portable altars with them as aids to prayer. Some of them were intended to be carried in cases, usually of cuir bouilli (boiled leather).


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child and Scenes from the Life of Christ (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Ivory
Brief description
Triptych, ivory, Scenes from the Life of Christ, possibly Upper Rhenish, first quarter of the fourteenth century
Physical description
In the upper part is Christ on the Cross between Longinus and a soldier bearing vinegar. On the wings are the Virgin supported by the two Maries and St John the Evangelist and Joseph of Arimathea. In the lower part the Virgin with Christ Child on her arm, standing between angels. On the wings are the three Magi in adoration, and the Presentation in the temple.
Dimensions
  • Height: 13cm
  • Central panel width: 6.5cm
  • Each wing width: 3.2cm
Object history
From the Salting collection. Salting Bequest in 1910.
Subjects depicted
Summary
During the 14th century specialist ivory craftsmen carved both secular and religious objects in great numbers. Although Paris was the main centre of production, other workshops emerged in Italy and Germany. Some of the craftsmen may have been trained in Paris as their work often combines French and local styles.
This ivory triptych is possibly Upper Rhenish and made in the first quarter of the fourteenth century.
The Gothic Triptych was to all intents and purposes a sub-branch of the tabernacle polyptych, with a shallower central panel and two, rather than four, hinged wings. The subject matter was the same, dominated by single images of the standing Virgin and Child and scenes from the infancy of Christ. Triptychs – like diptychs – are better suited to the needs of a travelling clientele, who would wish to take these small portable altars with them as aids to prayer. Some of them were intended to be carried in cases, usually of cuir bouilli (boiled leather).
Bibliographic references
  • 'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 92
  • Longhurst, Margaret H. Catalogue of Carvings in Ivory. Part II. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1929, p. 15
  • Koechlin, R., Les Ivoires gothiques français, 3 vols, Paris, 1924 (reprinted Paris 1968) pp. 135, 136, 137, II, cat. no. 197
  • Williamson, Paul and Davies, Glyn, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1550, (in 2 parts), V&A Publishing, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014 part 1, pp. 176, 7
  • Williamson, Paul and Davies, Glyn, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1550, (in 2 parts), V&A Publishing, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, part 1, pp. 176, 7, cat. no. 54
Collection
Accession number
A.556-1910

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Record createdApril 26, 2005
Record URL
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