491105 Ivory Plaque with Enthroned Mother of God ("The Stroganoff Ivory"), 950-1025 (ivory) by Byzantine School; h:25.30 w:17.20 d:1.80 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: The Mother of God is seated on a lavishly carved, high-backed throne. Two angels hover above, drawing attention to the Christ child poised in her lap. Representations of the enthroned Virgin and Child have a long tradition in Byzantine art, stretching back as far as the 6th century. With one hand raised in blessing, the other holding a scroll, Christ is portrayed here as an emotionless and supernatural child, visualizing for the pious beholder the mystery of his incarnation. ); Gift of J. H. Wade; out of copyright.