The Borradaile Triptych

The Borradaile Triptych
Three hinged ivory panels depicting the Crucifixion of Christ and saints
Byzantine, 10th century AD
Height: 270.000 mm (centre panel)
Width: 157.000 mm (centre panel)
Height: 270.000 mm (centre panel)
Width: 157.000 mm (centre panel)
Thickness: 10.000 mm (leaves)
The British Museum, London

The Borradaile Triptych is named after Charles Borradaile, who purchased it in 1905/6and later bequeathed it to The British Museum.

It was said to have come from a convent in Rheims, northern France

The centrepiece is Christ on the Cross, who is flanked by the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist.

Other saints and angels include: Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Saints George, Theodore Stratilates and Eustathius

Most Byzantine ivories were gilded and coloured but only scant traces survived of their surface colouring. It seems that ivory carving declined or totally disappeared in Byzantium after the 12th century.