Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to 13th century CE. A charming leaded bronze reliquary pendant featuring the high relief image of Christ on one side and Mary on the other. Each arm of the cross features the torso of a saint on both sides, perhaps intended as the 4 Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Crucified, Christ wears a collobium, while the veiled Mary is in her classic pose of mourning with both hands raised. The hinge at the bottom and suspension loop at the top indicates that this cross would have contained a holy relic and be worn around the neck for the protection of its Byzantine wearer. Size: 1.6" W x 3.6" H (4.1 cm x 9.1 cm); of strand: 22" L (55.9 cm)
Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or, mythically, the Holy Grail - held tremendous power in medieval Christianity. Reliquaries were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase replicas of reliquaries, small reliquaries containing less precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; coveted reliquaries traditionally have been passed down through generations of families.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#177865
Condition
Byzantine pendant strung on modern strand. Missing lower pin, but otherwise, intact and excellent with nice detail and rich patina throughout. Piece has been cleaned in modern times, though still has a few earthen encrustations in areas. Wearable as a pendant.