Wooden panel from the Church of the Virgin, Old Cairo

The Church of the Virgin – also known as al-Mu’allaqa or the Hanging Church – is one
of several medieval churches, as well as a synagogue, built within the walls of the former Roman fortress now part of Old Cairo. This panel is one of eight that were probably originally gilded, and decorated doors inside the church. Four are carved with crosses and decorative designs, and six show scenes from the life of Jesus. They are carved in an international style, suggesting strong contacts with the wider Mediterranean world.