Diptych Leaf with Life of Christ c. 11th century

Editor: Here we have a leaf from a diptych, carved with scenes from the Life of Christ, by an unidentified artist. The ivory has a warm tone. What strikes me is the incredible detail achieved in such a small space. What do you make of it? Curator: Consider the ivory itself. Where did it come from? Who harvested it, and under what conditions? The labor involved in obtaining the material is just as important as the skill of the artist who carved it. Editor: That's a good point. I hadn’t thought about the supply chain of ivory back then. Curator: And how would its original audience, likely wealthy and religious, have perceived its value and the messages it conveyed about power and faith? Editor: Interesting. It puts a different spin on the artwork. Curator: Exactly. By examining the material and its context, we can begin to understand the complex social dynamics at play. Editor: Thanks, I have a lot to think about.