Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A beautiful cast-iron cross created for display during Byzantine military processions. The cross displays three projecting arms and a lengthy body, each with flared terminals and knob-capped tips. The obverse face boasts a myriad of brass appliques including encircled hemispheres, thin diamonds, concentric teardrop forms, a central orb-filled ring, and intricate linear motifs on the lower body. The four hemispheres and the central ring symbolically represent the five wounds that Christ suffered during the Crucifixion. The lower terminus was to be inserted or attached to a processional staff to raise it above the heads of parade participants and onlookers alike. While the verso is unadorned, the entire piece exhibits wonderful oxidized patina. Size: 12.75" W x 22.3" H (32.4 cm x 56.6 cm); 22.9" H (58.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The Byzantine Empire was established in the fourth century CE when the Emperor Constantine, also known as Saint Constantine, Christianized the Roman Empire and pronounced the city of Constantinople in Byzantium as the capital. The visual culture of this era demonstrates a synthesis of classical Greek, Roman, and Christian influences.
A very similar example with more ornate brass appliques hammered for GBP 18,500 ($24,147.18) at Christie's, London "Icons and Artefacts from the Orthodox World" Auction (sale 7542, November 26, 2007, lot 45): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-processional-cross-byzantine-10th-12th-century-4999979-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4999979&sid=d7eb2095-a8d4-4aca-8ec5-d8c3cf9b2909
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Janet Zakos collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s
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#137833
Condition
Repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration to several projecting prongs, some appliques with light repatination, and possible area of tang. Slight bending to overall form, light chipping to earthen stabilization material on areas of verso, losses to some appliques, and extensive oxidation commensurate with age. Nice earthen deposits and patina throughout.