Twelve Apostles c. 12th century

Curator: This small ivory panel, entitled "Twelve Apostles", invites reflection on faith and community. It now resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a kind of somber beauty to this piece. The figures are so close, but each seems lost in their own contemplation. Curator: Consider the visual vocabulary used here. Each apostle carries distinct objects, keys, books, scrolls, hinting at their individual stories and roles within the collective. Editor: It's that duality that grips me, the universal and the personal. Their halos, though simple, emphasize a shared divinity, a connectedness despite their apparent isolation. Almost haunting, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: It’s a testament to enduring human stories, these figures whispering across centuries. Editor: It's a lovely reminder that within any group, each voice is unique and vital.