An ivory panel created around 850 is an outstanding example of art, which is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
This carved work is divided into eight sections, each of which contains a scene from the life of Christ. The panels are decorated with intricate patterns of leaves, with large rosettes at the intersections.
The upper left corner of the panel depicts "Joseph's Dream", when he was warned of the coming danger. Next come scenes: "The Flight into Egypt", where Mary and Joseph save the baby Christ from persecution, and "The Slaughter of the Innocents" - a tragic event when King Herod ordered the killing of all the babies in Bethlehem, and others.
This work stands out not only for its religious significance, but also for the craftsmanship of its execution. The borders of the panels are executed with such attention to detail that they resemble illuminated manuscripts rather than sculpture. The carving, rich in foliate ornamentation and rosettes, gives the piece a refined and sophisticated look, emphasizing the importance of each scene.
The architectural details of the panels, such as the arches, columns and friezes, are executed with amazing precision. Each scene seems to immerse the viewer in a miniature, but extremely detailed world.
Until 1871, the panel was in a private collection.
The panel in the Victoria and Albert Museum demonstrates the artist’s exceptional skill and virtuosity. It is one of those works that has no analogues among other similar surviving ivory pieces.
Source: collections.vam.ac.uk
