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The Passion Diptych

Christ’s suffering on ivory

The Klosterneuburg diptych consisting of 2 ivory panels was probably crafted in Mainz in the last quarter of the 14th century. The craftsman remains a mystery. Both ivory panels, originally attached by hinges, are just under 22cm high, 11cm wide and 1cm thick. They serve in reverence to and as a reminder of the Passion of Christ.

Each panel is divided into 3 ‘registers’ which illustrate the events of the Passion from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through to his crucifixion in a series of character-filled scenes. They should be read starting at the top register on the left panel followed by the top register on the right panel and so on, ending with the bottom register on the right panel.

Packing the picture’s surface with figures is typical for diptychs of the time. Art historians refer to these dense crowds as horror vacui (Latin for ‘fear of emptiness’), a form of decoration dating back to ancient stone sarcophaguses.

The Klosterneuburg diptych is in the International Gothic style, characterised by these vibrant, naturalistic figures. Between 1375 and 1420, a kind of common language develops in the visual arts of France, Germany, Northern Italy and Flanders. The figures seem to detach themselves from the background which adds dramatically to their individuality, expression and beauty.

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