"Grotto of the Virgin" with the votive crown of Leo the Wise

"Grotto of the Virgin" with the votive crown of Leo the Wise

This item is made up of three distinct parts from three separate time periods. The rock crystal edifice, the votive crown, and the figure of the Virgin Mary. They have been united as unit since at least the inventory of 1325. The rock-crystal "grotto" is most likely a classical work. The votive crown of the Byzantine emperor Leo the Wise would have originally had fourteen enamel medallions: one with a portrait of Leo himself, seven with the images of apostles and evangelists, and six that are now lost. The figurine of the Virigin orans was probably made in 13th century Venice.

https://media-management-api.tlt.harvard.edu/api/iiif/manifest/410