Wing of a diptych
This 10th century diptych is preserved in the cathedral treasure of Milan. One wing of the diptych came - in shape of a cast - to the collection in Halle. Owing to the fact that its surface has been severely rubbed away, the impression made by the diptych today has been lessened considerably. Details such as the physiognomy of the figures represented can no longer be recognized. However, through reading the Greek (unfortunately faulty) inscriptions and closely observing the representations themselves, it is possible to determine scenes and the order in which they occur. The following scenes are arranged one strip above the other: the Crucifixion above, the Holy Sepulchre and the Anastasis (the Descent to Hell) in the middle and the manifestation of the resurrected Christ before the women below. So we see a cycle of Passion whose focus is shown in an unusual breadth. Originally, a second wing showed scenes of the beginning of life on Earth and the work of Jesus. Since both parts became separated and were put into a silver framework individually, the impression was given that these were individual pieces of art. The intended compehensive survey from the beginning of life on Earth to the beginning of eternal life was destroyed.