Harbaville Triptych, mid-10th century, Constantinople, ivory with traces of polychromy, 28.2 x 24.2 x 1.2 cm (Musée du Louvre) A conversation with Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker.
For the classroom
Questions for study or discussion
Thinking about context
- How was this triptych used?
Thinking about this object
- What materials and techniques were used to create this triptych?
- What role do materials and techniques play in the triptych’s appearance?
- What role do materials and techniques play in the viewer’s experience of the triptych?
Thinking about iconography
- What does the Deësis scene depict?
- How do the figures in the Deësis scene relate to each other with their body language?
- What else is depicted on this triptych?
- What does this imagery suggest about the triptych’s owner and broader social setting?
- What role does nature play in the imagery on this triptych?
Thinking about art history
- How can we understand this triptych against the background of the Iconoclastic Controversy and the broader history of art?
Additional resources
Smarthistory’s free Guide to Byzantine Art e-book
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