This set of carved icons contains 25 distinct scenes, with over 100 individual figures depicted in total. The central panel is itself separated into individual scenes; Christ looks out from the center, surrounded by twelve significant moments in his life. The smaller, disconnected panels each depict Christ blessing various saints.

These panels are carved from steatite, a pale green or yellow stone that was commonly used for icons and small pendants in Byzantium. Steatite is softer and easier to carve than ivory, and thus lends itself to intricate details, even with little space. Steatite icons were often very small, which suggests that they were intended for more private, personal worship.

—Miranda Aebersold-Burke

Catalogue Record, Metropolitan Museum of Art