Diptych with the scenes from the Passion of Christ

This diptych, created by a French artist between the years 1350-1365, is made out of ivory and bone. Thirteen scenes from the Passion of Christ can be found within these two panels, which were commonly used by the rich to pray. This work of art fits within the medieval time period, and the Romanesque, as well. The pilgrimage will take its followers on a very long journey all over and something like a diptych is a great aid in praying while on the move. The significance of this work of art lies within the thirteen scenes from the Passion of Christ that can be the wealthy people’s guide to salvation.

 

Resurrection

This carving, created by an English artist between the years 1450-1490, is made out of alabaster and a little bit of paint. Because alabaster was so popular for church illustrations in England, this was most likely a section of a much larger altar. The event depicted in this particular panel is the Resurrection of Christ. The artist successfully captured the grace with which Christ rises up and out of the tomb, without disturbing the handful of sleeping guards around him. This work of art fits under both, the Late Medieval and Romanesque art periods. It is significant to this pilgrimage because it blatantly shows what Christ did for us, in order to provide salvation. The angels on either side of him make this point even clearer.

Virgin and Child, Crucifixion

This crozier, created by a French artist between the years 1340-1350, is made of ivory and bone. On one side of the crozier, Mary is shown holding baby Jesus and a lily. The other side depicts Jesus on the cross. Motherhood and virginity are the themes on one side, while original sin and salvation are on the other. It is fitting then that religious leaders use croziers with followers like shepherds use staffs to keep their sheep from going astray. Even though this reason is significant, this piece of art was chosen for veneration because of its P in X like shape. Christ’s name in Greek is written as Xpcótos, which was shortened to xp. Finally, the two letters joined together to become a highly recognized Christian symbol:

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

This ceramic tile, created by a Byzantine artist in the 10^th century, is made of ceramic with glaze. While the place of this work’s origin, Constantinople, has since become Istanbul, it still belongs under the Byzantine period of the medieval art world. Saint Christopher is portrayed on the second ceramic tile of this collection.

With a Gospel in one hand and a cross in the other, Saint Ignatius is forever remembered as the bishop and martyr of Antioch. With that being said, this piece of art represents what is crucial to the strength and growth of Christianity: dedication, unwavering faith, and devotion. It was, therefore, chosen for veneration on this pilgrimage.

Book Cover Plaque

This book cover plaque, created by a French artist during the 13^th century, is made of enamel, copper and gemstones. Given the date of creation, place of origin and style of the work, it fits in with the Romanesque period of the medieval art world. According to the facts passed down from previous pilgrims, this work of art most likely encased a Gospel book or other religious reading.1

This piece of art is very significant to Christianity and its pilgrims. On the front of the book cover, there are numerous important images to put together. Jesus is shown on the crucifix, with his mother, the Virgin Mary to his right, St. John to his left and the skull of Adam lies directly below him.2  Anyone reading the book once held within this cover had the opportunity to reflect on the portrayed themes of virginity and salvation. It is for these reasons that this book cover plaque was chosen for veneration during this pilgrimage.

1, 2 The Walters Art Museum

Diadem

Early Byzantine (Constantinople?), 4th-5th century

Casket with Scenes of Adam and Eve, and the Story of Joseph

Byzantine, 10th-11th century

Book Cover Plaque with Crucifixion and Holy Women at the Tomb

Carolingian (Northern France), around 870-880

Jewelry Box with Dancers and Faun

The creator(s) of this jewelry box used two different styles to carve the images on to it, Byzantine and Coptic. Fortunately, it fits nicely into the Early Byzantine period. It was made somewhere in Egypt between the 4^th-6^th centuries out of wood, bone and wax. The significance of this work of art may not be prominent at first but the way the artist(s) seemed to effortlessly mix two different styles together to make something this beautiful, provides hope and encouragement for this pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage to the Walters Art Museum

http://thewalters.org/  Our pilgrimage was a success. My roommate Louie got feisty with his opponent. =)