Something Beautiful

Otto I, Cathedral of Magdeburg

I'm glad that trade in ivory is now prohibited, but it's easy to see why it was so much prized for so long -- Otto I presents Magdeburg Cathedral to Christ, ca. 965 (ivory)

Three works in ivory

One more day of ivory, okay?  So we can gaze longingly at these works --

Magdeburg Panel, 962-68, Italy

Borradaile Triptych, 10th century, Byzantine.

Ivory triptych, 1330-40, England 

 

Russian Bishops' Mitres

When formally attired, a bishop wears a distinctive headpiece known as a "mitre."   Bishops in the Western church have for centuries worn a mitre that comes to a point at the top, as shown in this portrait of St. Ildefonso, ca. 1610, by El Greco. 

Bishops in the Russian Orthodox Church traditionally wear a mitre with a broader, rounder top.  Here are four quite lovely 19th-century examples from the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia --

Mitre, 1840s

Mitre, 2nd half, 19th century

Mitre, 2nd half, 19th century

Mitre, late 19th century

You can see three bishops wearing mitres such as these in the Wedding of Nicholas II and Alexandra, 1895, by Laurits Tuxen.

Lindau book cover

The Morgan Library in NYC possesses the achingly beautiful Lindau book cover.   

Chalice

Want to see something pretty incredible?  Take a look at this 12th-century chalice at the Louvre.  It is called the Alpais Ciborium, and was made from gilt brass and precious stones.

Medieval Masterworks in Metal

The Morgan Library site provides five images from its Medieval Masterworks exhibition. Highly recommended!   All five images are truly beautiful.   You might start with these to see what you think: 

      - Stavelot Triptych, a Flemish work of the mid-twelfth century, in copper, silver gilt and enamel;

      - Portable shrine, French, 1300-40. Take a close-up look at the base of the shrine -- all those pearls and other gems!