1 / 3
Ivory reliefs and figurines were instrumental to the spread of iconography. Lightweight and precious, they allowed images to travel. This panel, carved in Constantinople in the 11th century, was once a cover for a missal, now it is kept in the Vatican Museums. The charming scene includes nursing animals, Jesus’ first bath, and an angel embracing a shepherd, but Joseph remains alone, lost in thought.
+

© Public Domain