This image is similar in size to ivory icons (e.g. WAM 71.158) but was used to decorate the interior of a church building. In its damaged state, it shows the amount of work that museum conservators have done in order reassemble such Byzantine painted tiles from thousands of broken fragments.For the latest information about this object, ceramic tiles; icons, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Macedonian DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This manuscript leaf, Walters W.903, depicts the Virgin and Child.For the latest information about this object, illuminated manuscripts; folios (leaves), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Mughal DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This manuscript leaf, Walters W.699, depicts the Virgin and Child.For the latest information about this object, illuminated manuscripts; folios (leaves), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Mughal DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This plaque, which may have formed the central panel of a triptych, shows the Virgin standing in an elegant pose with her weight on one leg, perhaps inspired by the Classical tradition. This portrait type of the Virgin, who holds the Christ Child in her right arm while grasping his leg with her left hand, is called "Dexiokratousa" (Greek for "holding with her right hand").For the latest information about this object, plaques, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Macedonian DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This installation of tiles reflects the form of an iconostasis, or icon screen, used in Byzantine churches to divide the sanctuary - the place of the priest - from the rest of the church. The tiles are related to others in the former Byzantine capital of Constantinople (now Istanbul), and have been combined here to suggest the original appearance of one of these screens. Around the year 1000, when these brightly glazed tiles were made, icon screens were ornamented with images of Christ, the Virgin, John the Baptist, and other saints. These figures created a powerful devotional ensemble to which people could address prayers on behalf of themselves and their families.
The experience of the faithful inside a Byzantine church was shaped by images painted on walls and wooden panels, incised on metal and enamel liturgical objects, and embroidered on clerical vestments and cloths. The awe-inspiring vision of the sacred icons was further complemented by the pungent smell of incense, the flickering of lamps and candlelight, and the echo of chanted hymns. The division of the church into distinct chambers, from which the priest would emerge to display the Holy Bible or the Eucharistic offerings of the bread and the wine, served to further enhance the atmosphere of mystery and wonder for the assembled congregation.For the latest information about this object, ceramic tiles; icons, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This manuscript leaf, Walters W.903, is the back of a drawing of the Virgin and Child.For the latest information about this object, illuminated manuscripts; folios (leaves), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Mughal DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This manuscript leaf, Walters W.699, is the back of a depiction ofthe Virgin and Child.For the latest information about this object, illuminated manuscripts; folios (leaves), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Mughal DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This ivory plaque formed the center panel of a devotional three-panel icon. It shows the Virgin and Child under a canopy, flanked by angels with their hands raised in adoration. While the Christ Child blesses the viewer with his outstretched right hand, the Virgin softly touches his leg, a intimate gesture that stresses the close relationship between mother and son, assuring the beholder of the power of the Virgin's intercessory prayers.For the latest information about this object, panels; triptychs; icons; relief, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Macedonian DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
These illustrations from Walters manuscript W.659 depicts Virgo ('adhra') and Libra (mizan).For the latest information about this object, illuminated manuscripts; folios (leaves), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
This thin silver piece shows a pair of almond-shaped eyes above an inscription that translates: "In fulfillment of a vow." The words identify the plaquette as a votive, or offering, left by pilgrims at a shrine in order to ask for divine assistance, or to give thanks for a miraculous cure (with reference to the healed body part). The practice of leaving votives at shrines continues to this day.For the latest information about this object, plaques; votives, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Translation] In fulfillment of a vowReign: Style: