Icon with the Deesis

Byzantine

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 303

This representation of Christ joined with the Virgin and John the Forerunner (the Baptist), one of the most widespread middle Byzantine icon types, is known as the Deesis. By tradition the first witnesses to Christ's divinity, the Virgin and Saint John came to be seen as holy figures who would act as intercessors with him on behalf of humanity.

Icon with the Deesis, Elephant ivory, Byzantine

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Icon with the Deesis, Elephant ivory, Byzantine
Icon with the Deesis, Elephant ivory, Byzantine

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