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Plaque from a Portable Altar: The Crucifixion, Lower Rhine Valley
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Plaque from a Portable Altar: The Crucifixion, Lower Rhine Valley
491085 Plaque from a Portable Altar: The Crucifixion, Lower Rhine Valley, 1050-1100 (walrus ivory) by German School, (11th century); h:5.10 w:9.55 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: These intricately carved ivory panels once decorated the sides of a portable altar. Three of the plaques, namely those depicting Christ in Majesty and his apostles, were the first major acquisition of William M. Milliken, the museums first curator of decorative arts and later director (1930-1958). They were purchased from Emile Rey, the New York partner of Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company, who had been closely associated with J. P. Morgan, Henry Walters, and other important American collectors. The fourth plaque, depicting Christs crucifixion, was donated by Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company later the same year. As Milliken later recalled, the pieces Rey showed him " were immensely intriguing, monumental in scale, even if tiny in size, the Christ in the Mandorla could have been enlarged and would have graced the tympanum of a great cathedral.... These morse [that is, walrus] ivories overwhelmed me... Somehow they must come to Cleveland. How was the question. Yet they would and must."
); Gift of Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company, Inc.; German, out of copyright
Media ID 23494728
© Gift of Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company, Inc. / Bridgeman Images
C11th Crucifix Crucifixion Ivory Mourners Plaque Romanesque
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This print showcases a Plaque from a Portable Altar: The Crucifixion, originating from the Lower Rhine Valley in Germany during the 11th century. Crafted from walrus ivory, this intricately carved panel measures approximately 5.10 cm in height and 9.55 cm in width. Currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA, this piece holds significant historical and artistic value. Originally part of a set that adorned the sides of a portable altar, these plaques were acquired by William M. Milliken, the museum's first curator of decorative arts and later director (1930-1958). Three panels depicting Christ in Majesty and his apostles were purchased from Emile Rey, partner of Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company - prominent figures associated with influential American collectors such as J. P. Morgan and Henry Walters. The fourth plaque portraying Christ's crucifixion was generously donated by Arnold Seligmann himself later that same year. Milliken was deeply moved by these morse (walrus) ivories; their grandeur transcended their small size to evoke images of cathedral tympanums. Milliken recalled being overwhelmed by these pieces' immense intrigue and monumental scale despite their diminutive stature. He felt compelled to bring them to Cleveland but faced challenges regarding acquisition logistics - yet he remained determined. This stunning photograph captures not only the exquisite craftsmanship but also the passion behind its acquisition for preservation at one of America's most esteemed art institutions – an enduring testament to human creativity throughout history.
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