Paxtafel met de geboorte van Christus c. 1480 - 1500

This 15th-century ivory paxtafel, or peace tablet, is a small, intricately carved relief depicting the Nativity. The piece's delicate size (12 cm high x 9.5 cm wide x 4 cm deep) speaks to its intimate purpose, likely used in religious ceremonies to signify peace. The artist, unknown, skillfully portrays the scene in a detailed, almost Gothic style, with intricate details and multiple figures. The central focus is on the birth of Christ, but the surrounding figures, including angels and Mary, add to the narrative. The Paxtafel, despite its small size, showcases a mastery of ivory carving, offering a glimpse into religious practices of the time.