Carolingian ivory plaque of the Crucifixion, ca. 870 AD, Metropolitan Museum of Art.
There’s a lot going on here: Ecclesia is on Christ’s right, gathering the blood from his wound in a cup; Synagoga is on his left, her body beginning the turn away from him. They are flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist.
Two soldiers, below, hold the spear and sponge that are instruments of the Passion. A snake around the base of the cross signifies Christ’s triumph over evil. The angels above Christ’s arms proclaim his majesty.
I do love a Carolingian ivory!
