Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Christ in Majesty
(Medieval Europe )
Originally paired with an image of the Crucifixion, this plaque was once attached to the binding of a Gospel book or a missal. When the book was read aloud during the liturgy, its enameled covers would have reminded the faithful of Christ's earthly suffering and heavenly glory. The son of God sits upon a rainbow, surrounded by four creatures that symbolize the Evangelists. The Greek letters alpha and omega that flank Jesus' head refer to his words: "See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:12-13).
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Raoul Heilbronner, Paris [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1910, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Exhibitions
| 2020 | Visions of the End. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Knoxville. |
| 2008-2009 | Realms of Faith: Medieval and Byzantine Art from the Walters Art Museum. Museum of Biblical Art, New York; Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville; Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. |
| 2002-2005 | Realms of Faith: Medieval and Byzantine Art from the Walters Art Museum. Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville. |
| 2004 | Illuminating the Word: Gospel Books in the Middle Ages. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. |
| 2001-2002 | Realms of Faith: Medieval and Byzantine Art from the Walters Art Museum. Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville. |
Geographies
France, Limoges (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 9 1/8 × W: 5 5/16 × D: 7/16 in. (23.1 × 13.5 × 1.1 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1910
Location in Museum
Not on view
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.
44.85