Ivory Nativity - Book Covers 63D Model
A 6th Century panel from a book cover, divided into two compartments
Upper - The Virgin, beneath a small canopy supported on Spirally-fluted columns surmounted by two crosses, is seated on a cushioned throne with high back and carved legs, her feet resting on a hassock; her long mantle is drawn over her head, forming a hood. On her lap is the Christ Child, both are facing front. On her right is an angel and the three Magi present their offerings in bowls which rest on napkins.
Lower - On the left is the Virgin, reclining on a large mattress and looking to the right where, flanked by the ox and the ass, the Child lies wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger of masonry, in front of which the incredulous Salome stretches out her withered hand. To the Virgin’s left, between her and the ox, stands Joseph in a long robe, a large rod in his left hand and his right arm raised.
The ivory is dark & shows traces of gilding & colouring.
https://www.digitalcollections.manchester.ac.uk/view/MS-BOOK-COVER-00006/1
CC Attribution-NonCommercialCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Comments