Dating from approximately 1150 to 1175 and originating from Britain, this ivory artifact is a remarkable piece of art. It is crafted from walrus ivory and is adorned with paint.
Initially believed to be the missing base tablet of The Cloisters cross, this ivory holds significant historical and artistic value. It closely resembles the surviving parallels of The Cloisters cross. The imagery depicted on the ivory presents a scene within the walls of Jerusalem, where Christ, portrayed as a bound figure, is brought before the high priest Caiaphas for a trial. This momentous event is a significant episode in the life of Christ and is represented here in shallow relief.
The carving exhibits a somewhat schematic and less resolute style when compared to the depiction on the cross. This suggests that it might have been part of a larger narrative cycle portraying various events from the life of Christ. The ivory offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and religious narratives of the period, and its connection to The Cloisters cross adds to its historical and artistic significance.