Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 13th century CE. An interesting silvered bronze reliquary cross, composed of three pieces - a deep, cross-shaped frame and two thin repousse crosses that slot over the frame, forming a space to hold a relic. One repousse cross has a motif of the crucifixion, while the other depicts three saints. Size: 1.25" W x 2.05" H (3.2 cm x 5.2 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, objects designed to hold relics, 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; ones that are intact have often been passed down through generations of families.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#137070
Condition
Some bending to form. One side of the cross is loose and can be removed (as it was originally intended to do). Small fissure on one of the faces with some tiny tears at the edges. Nice preservation of form and motifs.