St John the Baptist and Four Saints, late 10th century

St John the Baptist and Four Saints

late 10th century · Plaque · 23.2 × 13.3 cm

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “St John the Baptist and Four Saints” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum

About the sculpture

Above the central figure of John the Baptist are Sts Philip and Stephen, below Sts Andrew and Thomas. The grave image of St John, staring straight ahead and blessing with his right hand, is shown in the manner of Christ Pantocrator (with the right hand raised in blessing).

The plaque is a masterpiece of technical virtuosity, but because of the extreme fragility of the leaf work and the thinness of the backgrounds to the roundels, it has suffered significant damage.

The plaque has been stylistically associated with the ivory panels on a casket now in the Bargello in Florence, which also includes half-length figures of St. John the Baptist, Philip, Andrew and Thomas.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Details

Accession number
215-1866

What it shows

In the catalog

Sources

On view at Victoria and Albert Museum

Museum page

On the same theme · Foliage

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