Lot 59
Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to 13th century CE. A nicely-preserved bronze reliquary cross pendant incised with the image of the Virgin Orans on one side beneath a Greek inscription reading "PANA / GIA" or "Panagia," a title for Mary translating to "All Holy" or "Most Holy." The veiled Virgin is adorned in elaborate robes with arms spread, while the verso is carved with a Eastern Syriac cross adorned with parallel striations. A suspension loop at the top allows this to be worn as a pendant. Size: 1.8" W x 3.8" H (4.6 cm x 9.7 cm)
The term "relics" is meant to encompass the 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. This example is known as an "enkolpion" (literally "on the chest") because it was meant to safely contain such relics inside the cross which would have been worn on a daily basis. 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. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has several of these items in its collection, including on display. See the small hinged cross reliquary depicting Christ and the Virgin on display in Gallery 303.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#182443
- Condition: Loss to bottom clasp and possible center inlay on side with incised cross. Light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, mostly intact and excellent with rich patina, good remaining incised decoration, and light earthen deposits in areas. Wearable as a pendant.
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