- Period
- Byzantine
- Date
- 950–1025
- Collection
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Object no.
- 1925.1293
Ivory Plaque with Enthroned Mother of God ("The Stroganoff Ivory")
Unknown maker, 950–1025
Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of J. H. Wade · Public domain
- Maker
- Unknown maker
- Date
- 950–1025
- Medium
- ivory
- Dimensions
- Overall: 25.3 x 17.2 x 1.8 cm (9 15/16 x 6 3/4 x 11/16 in.)
- Period
- Byzantine
The record
Why it matters
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.