UNKNOWN MASTER, English
(active mid-12th century)

Synagogue Spearing the Lamb of God

1130-70
Walrus ivory with traces of original polychromy, 58 x 36 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The picture shows a detail of the Cloisters Cross which is the most impressive altar cross to survive from the Romanesque period. In the central medallion on its back is the Lamb of God as described in the Book of Revelation. It is pierced by a lance brandished by the figure of Synagogue. Behind Synagogue stands the grieving St John the Evangelist. These figures are surrounded by others with scrolls of speech issuing from their mouths. The Cloisters Cross is either linked with the style of Master Hugo and consequently dated about 1130, or seen as an example of early Transitional art and dated about 1170.