Ivory Plaque with Enthroned Mother of God ("The Stroganoff Ivory"), 950-1025. The Mother of God is seated on a lavishly carved, high-backed throne. Two angels hover above, drawing attention to the Christ child poised in her lap. Representations of the enthroned Virgin and Child have a long tradition in Byzantine art, stretching back as far as the 6th century. With one hand raised in blessing, the other holding a scroll, Christ is portrayed here as an emotionless and supernatural child, visualizing for the pious beholder the mystery of his incarnation.

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Size: 4348px × 5627px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: art, bone, byzantine, byzantium, cleveland, constantinople, heritage, ivory, museum, period, unknown