This impressive mother-of-pearl icon of the Last Supper, made in the Holy Land in the late 19th Century, showcases some astoundingly intricate carving.
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The beautiful iridescence of mother of pearl is utilised to maximum effect in this specatcular carved icon. Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, has found itself widely used in precious decorative objects because of its brilliant sheen, which appears to change colour when viewed from different angles.
This effect of the material is heightened by the extremely intricate carving around the frame which takes the form of scrolling floral motifs, and also by the inset panels of abalone, or marine snail shell. At the top of the frame there is a further panel - in the rough shape of a crown - of abalone, inset with a mother-of-pearl carving of Christ.
In the centre of the frame sits the depiction of the Last Supper, with a figure of Jesus in the centre, shown with a halo surrounded by his Twelve Disciples all seated at a long table. The carved depiction is set back slightly inside the frame, giving the scene a wonderfully naturalistic sense of depth.
The icon is set into an olive wood frame which is supported by a hinged stand.
Reference:
15641
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