Book of plaques with scenes from the Passion

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The gilded copper cover of this foldout "book" is incised with the same designs that would have decorated a genuine book cover. By contemplating the minutely carved ivory images, its owner could carry the suffering of Christ with him at all times. The substantial weight of the sharp-edged copper hanging from the waist or neck would also make it uncomfortable to carry-an additional reminder of His sacrifice.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art