Death of the Virgin, so-called “Koimesis”
2nd half 10th c.
Byzantine ivory carving reached its zenith around the middle of the 10th century. The intercession inscribed on the panel depicting two apostles documents its connection to a Byzantine Emperor named Constantine. Soft soapstone (steatite) was also used from this period for small icons and pendants. The “Koimesis” relief is among the oldest extant works executed in this technique.
Byzantine ivory carving reached its zenith around the middle of the 10th century. The intercession inscribed on the panel depicting two apostles documents its connection to a Byzantine Emperor named Constantine. Soft soapstone (steatite) was also used from this period for small icons and pendants. The “Koimesis” relief is among the oldest extant works executed in this technique.
Time:
2nd half 10th c.
Object Name
Relief
Culture
Constantinople
Material/technology:
Ivory
Dimensions:
H. 13 cm, B. 11,2 cm, T. 1,5 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 8797
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