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Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: The Prophet Joel

7th–8th century

Not on view

The original use and arrangement of these fourteen ivories of the So-called Grado Chair with scenes from the life of Christ, depictions of saints, and of Saint Mark as first bishop of Alexandria remain uncertain. They may have been part of a liturgical throne given by Emperor Heraclius (r. 610–41) to Grado, Italy, after his successful re-conquest of Egypt.
On this plaque, the prophet Joel points to heaven as he holds a scroll inscribed in Greek, "Then the Lord became jealous for his land, and had pity on his people" (Joel 2:18).

Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: The Prophet Joel, Ivory — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Ivories of the So-Called Grado Chair: The Prophet Joel

Date: 7th–8th century

Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean or Egypt

Medium: Ivory

Dimensions: 3 15/16 x 3 3/8 in. (10 x 8.5 cm)

Classification: Ivories

Credit Line: Musée du Louvre, Département des Objets d’Art, Paris (AC 864)

Object Number: isl718

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.