The Crucifixion

This is an ivory panel made ca. 1050 in the Lower Rhine, Cologne, Germany. The panel depicts the Crucifixion with various emblematic figures. To the left are the Virgin, a figure symbolic of the Church, holding a chalice to receive the Blood of Christ, and Longinus; to the right, St. John, the Centurion, and Stephaton, who turns away holding the sponge and a pail. Above the arms of the cross are lamenting angels, the Sun and Moon and, issuing from clouds, the Dextera Dei holding a wreath. At the foot of the cross is the coiled serpent and, in the lower corners, two half-length figures, that on the right perhaps symbolising the Synagogue. There is a narrow border of foliage.