The Three Women at the Holy Sepulcher

North Italian, early 10th century
Elephant ivory; 7½ x 4¼ in. (19 x 10.8 cm.)
Probably once part of a decorative cover for a liturgical manuscript
The Cloisters, New York City, Lila Acheson Wallace gift, 1993.19

As in earlier images of this subject, the tomb is pictured as a small round temple, in this case with a strong resemblance to the actual Aedicula that has enclosed the presumed tomb of Jesus since the 4th century. Sitting on the lid of a sarcophagus, the angel tells the women that Jesus is risen and they should go and tell the disciples (Mark 16:5-7). In the upper corners two guards sleep through it all.

Read more about images of the Resurrection.

Photo: The Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York