A bishop between donors
Triptych
ca. 1250 (made)
ca. 1250 (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.
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).
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 | |
Title | A bishop between donors (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Carved elephant ivory |
Brief description | Panel, carved ivory, from a triptych, depicting a bishop between two kneeling donors, Northern France (possibly Amiens), about 1250 |
Physical description | Carved ivory centre panel from a triptych. A bishop (dressed in mitre and chasuble and with gloves and maniple) in the act of benediction is depicted beneath a trefoil arch supported on slender columns and surmounted by elaborate architecture representing the roof of a church. Two small figures, a man and woman, kneel on either side, their hands clasped together in prayer: a bare-headed man on the left and a woman with barbette and filet on the right. |
Dimensions |
|
Object history | In the possession of John Webb, London by 1862; puchased from the Webb Collection in 1867 (£10). |
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. 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 |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | 276-1867 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | October 18, 2004 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest