Plaque with Saint John the Evangelist

Plaque with Saint John the Evangelist

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Evangelist, accompanied by his symbol, the eagle, displays the opening text of his gospel. The deep layering of his tunic folds adds life and vigor to the Classical drapery forms. The roughly lettered inscription on the upper border, added at an early date, translates: "The word of John soars to heaven like an eagle." This plaque once was thought to be from a book cover, but it is now argued that this panel and three more, which represent the other authors of the Gospels, formed the wings of a triptych flanking an image of Christ in the central panel.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Plaque with Saint John the EvangelistPlaque with Saint John the EvangelistPlaque with Saint John the EvangelistPlaque with Saint John the EvangelistPlaque with Saint John the Evangelist

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.