Book Case with the Crucifixion and the Harrowing of Hell
(Byzantium and Early Russia)
The inscription around this sumptuous book case states that it was ordered by George Evinikhidze, secretary of King George XI of Kartli (r. 1703-1709). The case is made of exceptionally pure gold and is so soft that it feels as if it might melt in one's hand. Images of the Crucifixion traditionally decorated the covers of Gospel books. Here, they are executed in fine translucent enamel.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Private collection, Paris, by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, [date of acquisition unknown] by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Exhibitions
1996-1997 | Russian Enamels. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
1959-1960 | Russian Art: Icons and Decorative Arts from the Origin to the Twentieth Century. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Conservation
Date | Description | Narrative |
---|---|---|
8/8/2012 | Treatment | Technical Study; X-ray fluorescence |
Geographies
Georgia (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 4 5/16 x W: 2 15/16 x D: 7/8 in. (10.9 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Centre Street: Third Floor: Byzantine, Russian, and Ethiopian Icons
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
44.269