Vintage Diptych of Rambona, Central Italy, Late 9th-Early 10th Century, Ivory. Vatican City, Reproduction From Vatican Museum

Details

Description

This priceless work of art is one of the rarest medieval ivories in the world. The original was made for … Read more This priceless work of art is one of the rarest medieval ivories in the world. The original was made for the abbey of Rambona about the year 900. At the top of the left panel a medallion portraying God the father is borne by flying angels. Beneath is the crucified Christ. The sun and the moon at the left and right of the cross witness the event. The Virgin and Saint John stand at either side. Below, the Roman she-wolf suckles two children.
The Latin inscription reads "Romulus and Remus fed by the she-wolf." The upper right panel portrays the enthroned Virgin holding the Christ Child, flanked by two seraphim. At the center, standing amid vine tendrils, are Saints Gregory, Silvester, and Flavian, the patron saints of the abbey of Rambona.
The copy in ivory polymer is virtually indistinguishable from the original in size, color, depth, and brilliance of detail. The master mold for this reproduction was made by taking a direct impression from the original. See less