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Crosier Head with the Dormition of the Virgin
(Medieval Europe )
The crosier head is circular and contains a double-sided carving of the Dormition of the Virgin. Six Apostles attend the bier, and the figure of Christ holds the Virgin's soul. The circular surround is roughly carved with leaves. It is surmounted by a figure of God the Father and prophets holding scrolls within vine surrounds. Three of the applied prophet figures are missing. At the base is a monster representing the mouth of Hell.
Crosiers of circular form are rare.
The crosier was buried and has warped into a curve. It has also suffered damage from fire. Many small chips and flakings occur over the surface. The base is fitted with a wooden insert threaded for the crosier shaft.
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.
William T. / Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Italy, Venice (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 10 5/8 in. (27 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
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.
71.484