Pilgrimage Souvenir

ClassificationsSculpture

Date19th Century

Made AtJerusalem, Israel, Asia

MediumMother-of-pearl

DimensionsOverall: 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (21.6 x 21.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. John Carruthers

Object number31521

DescriptionMother-of-pearl shell carving depicting the Last Supper in its central panel. The inscription, "Jerusalem" indicates that this was a pilgrimage souvenir purchased in Jerusalem. Both Jerusalem and Bethlehem have been centers for pigrimage souvenirs such as this since at least the 12th Century. The 13 small circular panels surrounding the Last Supper also depict scenes from the life of Christ (starting at the bottom under the letters "l e m" and then proceeding left), they are: the vision of Mary; Mary and Joseph fleeing Egypt with the infant; the baptism of Jesus; Joseph and Mary in the manger with Jesus; 3 unidentifiable panels; Jesus kneeling before a standing cup probably in the garden; unidentified; placing Jesus in the grave; Jesus walking on water (note the fish); Jesus with forefinger raised proclaiming the gospel; prob. St. John the Baptist with his staff laying his hand on top of the head of Jesus as a small boy.

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