Diptych with the Crucifixion, Nativity, Coronation of the Virgin, and Adoration of the Magi

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Diptych with the Crucifixion, Nativity, Coronation of the Virgin, and Adoration of the Magi

Place of OriginProbably France

Date1350-1375

Dimensions5 7/8 × 7 5/8 × 1/2 in. (14.9 × 19.4 × 1.3 cm)

MediumIvory, silver hinges

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1950.299

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Label TextSmall enough to be held in the hand like a book, ivory diptychs like this one were used for the private devotion and contemplation of its Christian owner. Read left to right, bottom to top, the scenes of the Life of Christ and Virgin Mary envision Biblical stories for contemplation at prayer. The combination of scenes of Mary’s life with Christ’s underscores the important role she played in Christian salvation and religious life of the later Middle Ages.Published ReferencesKoechlin, R., Ivoires Gothiques: Collection Emile Baboin, Lyon, 1912, no. 13, pl. XI.

Koechlin, R., Les Ivoires Gothiques Français, Paris, 1924, I, p. 174, no. 5; II, no. 322.

Randall, Richard H., Jr., The Golden Age of Ivory: Gothic Ivory Carvings in North American Collections, New York, 1993, pp. 90-91.

The Courtauld Institute of Art, Gothic Ivories,2015, Koechlin no. 0322, Link to resource.