Ancient Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 12th to 14th century CE. A fantastic cast brass processional cross composed of two flared sections pinned together in the center with a cast medallion made of a square with a tall isosceles triangle projecting from each flat side. Flat, round glass discs of yellow, clear, and blue glass are inlaid at the arms and center. The lateral arms have pointed finials on their upper corners. A long, flat brass pin on the base served as an attachment so this could be carried in a procession. Size: 16" W x 25" H (40.6 cm x 63.5 cm); 27" H (68.6 cm) on included custom stand.
The Byzantine Empire was established in the 4th 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. This cross was made at a time when tremendous effort and innovation went into producing art with Christian themes.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-collection of Janet and George Zakos, Switzerland, collected in the 1970s
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.
#143564
Condition
Beautiful mottled patina of dark and pale green. Glass surfaces have some wear and light iridescent patina and deposits. Approximately half of the glass pieces have small cracks but no losses. Small tears on three of the corners, with an ancient repair on one. A beautiful ancient surface!