Right ivory diptych shutter representing the Dormition of the Virgin under three arcatures surmounted by gables with hooks. In the centre of the composition, Christ, standing on the other side of the bed where the Virgin rests, makes a gesture of blessing with his right hand and carries the soul of his Mother in the form of a child, his hands joined; at his sides are represented the apostles, ten in number, among whom are John, holding the palm of Paradise and a book, and Paul with his sword; One of the apostles is seated in the foreground on the right, his head hooded in an attitude of meditation; on the left, an abbot, presumably the patron, holds a privileged place at the Virgin's bedside.
Paris, second quarter of the 14th century Height: 11.8 cm - Width: 9.2 cm - Weight: 126 g (fixing holes in the upper part, small missing edge at bottom right)
The left flap of the diptych was probably intended to represent the Coronation of the Virgin. This excellent workmanship can be compared with the quality of the right leaf representing a Crucifixion from the collections of the Louvre Museum (inv. OA 9356, fig.): tri-lobed arcatures, sharp eardrums alternating with bells, neatly woven hair with strong undulations and harmonious fluidity of the drapery.
Work consulted: D. Gaborit-Chopin, Ivoires médiévaux Ve - XVe siècle, Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2003, cat.64, p 405.
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