Carved wooden medallion with New Testament scenes

16th century, Greek-Byzantine work from Mount Athos
diameter 7 cm

This round carved wooden plaque dates from the 16th century, Greek-Byzantine production, from Mount Athos: the openwork decoration that frames the subjects and fills the space between them is evidence of this. The surprisingly careful workmanship allows the biblical subjects to be discerned at a very small size, including the details of the depiction of the characters' clothing and attributes.

This meticulous wood carving is reminiscent of the way the cross-reliquary on display in the Louvre is made. It is a wooden cross-reliquary carved with eighteen scenes from the life of Christ and three reliquaries at the ends, and dates from the 15th-16th century (The Louvre Collection, Main number : LP 1043, Room 501, Richelieu Wing).

The plaque consists of several circular images that form a single whole in the form of a Gothic rosette. They include six scenes from the Passion of Christ and four smaller portraits of the evangelists in the centre.

A photo is attached to show the order of reading.

Crucifixion of Christ

The Entombment

The holy women and the angel bearing the news of Christ's resurrection

Christ's resurrection

The appearance of Christ to the people

The disbelief of St Thomas