Medieval Ivories

Don't you love the gobsmacked expression on Mary's face when she's accosted by angels? This scene is a detail from a 13th Century relief sculpture in ivory: Nativity and Last Judgement Diptych. It's one of 45 gems currently on display at the Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London: Medieval Ivories from the Thomson Collection. This is the first time they have been shown together. The exhibition continues until 9 March, then the carvings - secular as well as religious - go back to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.