Panel
ca. 1375-1400 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This appliqué relief panel in elephant ivory was probably made by the school of Embriachi in Italy, in the late 14th century. It represents a group of six men in discussion. Like some earlier Northern European appliqué relief carvings, this plaque is concave on the back. It would have been fixed to a background, presumably wooden, via the dowel in its base. It also has a string running border towards the lower edge. This compositional feature recalls the similar borders on the lower edges of the Embriachi bone plaques. The plaque probably decorated a small altarpiece or a folding triptych.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Elephant ivory |
| Brief description | Panel, ivory appliqué relief, group of six figures, Northern Italy, ca. 1375-1400 |
| Physical description | Panel representing a group of six figures in discussion. The central figure in the foreground is a bare-headed figure in long robe and cloak. He stands discoursing looking to the left, his right hand is raised the index finger held up as a gesture of emphasis, and his left holds a scroll or scrap of paper. On either side are cloaked figures of men and behind him show the heads of three other listeners. All the figures surrounding him are older, bearded men, wearing long robes with hoods. They press up against the young man in an antagonistic manner. At the lower edge is a raised border. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Puchased at the sale of the collection of E.P. Warren (Sotheby's, London, 31 May 1929, lot 14) with an Egypto-Roman razor handle, inv. no. A.90-1929 (for £31 10s for the two objects). |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This appliqué relief panel in elephant ivory was probably made by the school of Embriachi in Italy, in the late 14th century. It represents a group of six men in discussion. Like some earlier Northern European appliqué relief carvings, this plaque is concave on the back. It would have been fixed to a background, presumably wooden, via the dowel in its base. It also has a string running border towards the lower edge. This compositional feature recalls the similar borders on the lower edges of the Embriachi bone plaques. The plaque probably decorated a small altarpiece or a folding triptych. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.91-1929 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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