Icon with the Crucifixion

A carved ivory plaque shows Christ on the cross beneath a pierced arch, flanked by the Virgin Mary at left and Saint John at right, both with haloes. Below, seated soldiers cast lots while a figure sprawls at the base, with Greek inscriptions around the panel.

Look closer: A small figure lies at the bottom edge, partly hidden by the seated soldiers.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-10th century

Medium

Elephant ivory

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

2789 × 3875 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917