Home > Animals > Mammals > Odobenidae > Walrus
Plaque from a Portable Altar: Christ and the Apostles, Lower Rhine Valley
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Plaque from a Portable Altar: Christ and the Apostles, Lower Rhine Valley
491082 Plaque from a Portable Altar: Christ and the Apostles, Lower Rhine Valley, 1050-1100 (walrus ivory) (see also 491084) by German School, (11th century); h:5.08 w:10.79 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 J. H. Wade; German, out of copyright
Media ID 23253598
© Gift of J. H. Wade / Bridgeman Images
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Odobenidae
> Walrus
> Arts
> Art Movements
> Medieval Art
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Henry Walter
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cleveland
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> German School
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> William Merritt Chase
> Fine Art Finder
> New Testament
> North America
> United States of America
> New York
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of art, the "Plaque from a Portable Altar: Christ and the Apostles" from the Lower Rhine Valley in Germany. Crafted between 1050-1100, this exquisite work is made of walrus ivory and measures approximately 5.08 cm in height and 10.79 cm in width. Originally adorning the sides of a portable altar, these intricately carved ivory panels hold immense historical significance. Three plaques depict Christ in Majesty alongside his apostles, while the fourth plaque portrays Christs crucifixion. These pieces were acquired by William M. Milliken, who served as both curator of decorative arts and director at the Cleveland Museum of Art during his tenure. The acquisition process was facilitated through Emile Rey, partner to Arnold Seligmann, Rey and Company - prominent figures closely associated with influential American collectors such as J. P Morgan and Henry Walters. Milliken vividly recalled being captivated by these morse (walrus) ivories upon seeing them for the first time - their monumental scale despite their small size left an indelible impression on him. Determined to bring them to Cleveland, he worked tirelessly to secure their acquisition. Today, this stunning artwork stands proudly at the Cleveland Museum of Art as part of its esteemed collection thanks to J. H Wade's generous gift. The Plaque from a Portable Altar serves not only as an artistic masterpiece but also as a testament to human creativity throughout history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
