Ampulla with Scenes of the Crucifixion and the Women at the Tomb
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Jerusalem is a holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. For Christians, it is revered as the site of Christ’s death and Resurrection. Since the fourth century, when Emperor Constantine I erected the Holy Sepulchre over Christ’s tomb, Christian pilgrims have thronged there, often acquiring memorials of their visit.
On this ampulla, two pilgrims kneeling to touch the cross of the crucified Christ evoke the pilgrim’s experience at the Holy Sepulchre. The tomb is depicted as being in the Anastasis Rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The inscription in Greek, "Oil of the wood of life from the holy sites of Christ," suggests the ampulla contained holy oil.
On this ampulla, two pilgrims kneeling to touch the cross of the crucified Christ evoke the pilgrim’s experience at the Holy Sepulchre. The tomb is depicted as being in the Anastasis Rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The inscription in Greek, "Oil of the wood of life from the holy sites of Christ," suggests the ampulla contained holy oil.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ampulla with Scenes of the Crucifixion and the Women at the Tomb
- Date: 6th–early 7th century
- Geography: Made in Jerusalem (?)
- Medium: Lead
- Dimensions: Diam: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Byzantine Collection, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, D.C. (BZ.1948.18)
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters