Panel from an Ivory Casket with the Killing of the King of Hazor (Joshua 11)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory panel, carved in the 10th–11th during the Byzantine Empire's Middle Byzantine period, depicts a dramatic biblical scene from Joshua 11: the killing the King of Hazor Part of a larger casket, likely used for relics or liturgical purposes, it showcases kings and warriors in dynamic combat, tagged with motifs of "Kings" and "Men." Measuring just 3 7/16 x 2 13/16 x 1/4 inches, its petite scale belies the intricate detail achieved through masterful relief carving, a hallmark of Byzantine ivory work. Ivory was a luxury medium in medieval Byzantium, prized for its creamy translucency and durability, often sourced from elephant tusks via trade routes from Africa and India. Artisans employed fine chisels to incise figures with flowing drapery and expressive gestures, blending classical influences with Christian iconography. This panel reflects the era's fascination with Old Testament narratives, emphasizing divine justice and conquest, which resonated in Byzantine religious and imperial culture. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art Department—thanks to a 1917 gift from J. Pierpont Morgan—this fragile treasure offers a window into Byzantine devotion and artistry. Visitors, imagine holding a story from scripture in your palm, carved over a millennium ago!