description Morgan Diptych Overview
The Morgan Diptych is a portable devotional object made of carved ivory, dating to the mid-14th century and originating in France. Currently housed in the Morgan Library & Museum in New York, it is a prime example of the intricate Gothic ivory carving that flourished in medieval Paris. The hinged panels are carved in high relief with detailed narrative scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It was originally designed for private contemplation and commissioned by wealthy aristocratic patrons for personal use.
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Where is the Morgan Diptych housed?
The Morgan Diptych is associated with the collection of financier J.P. Morgan and is held at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. The institution houses one of the finest collections of medieval manuscript and ivory art in the United States.
When was the Morgan Diptych made and where does it come from?
The Morgan Diptych dates to the 14th century and is believed to be of French origin, likely produced in Paris, which was the leading center of Gothic ivory carving at the time. French ivory workshops supplied devotional objects to wealthy and aristocratic patrons across medieval Europe.
What scenes are depicted on the Morgan Diptych panels?
The two panels of the Morgan Diptych depict religious narrative scenes in the Gothic style typical of 14th-century French devotional art. Portable diptychs of this kind were used for private prayer and commonly illustrated events from the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary.
What material are Gothic devotional diptychs like the Morgan Diptych made from?
Most Gothic portable diptychs from 14th-century France, including the Morgan Diptych, are carved from elephant ivory panels. These were luxury objects often featuring traces of original polychrome paint and gilding, and they were hinged so the two panels could fold together for portability.
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