Description:

Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. An iron cross with thick bronze plates laid over it, designed to completely cover the iron. Age wear to the bronze has revealed some of the iron within. The cross is of simple but elegant form, with widening arms that broaden out into twin points at the end of each arm. A short spike from the bottom of the cross seems designed to attach it to a pole for carrying it in a procession. Size: 8.4" W x 14.7" H (21.3 cm x 37.3 cm)

The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth concentrated in religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, bronze crosses like this one played a prominent role in the everyday life of the church, whose constant rituals divided and marked each day.

Provenance: Ex-private East Coast, USA collection

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.

#121426

  • Condition: Patina over all surfaces; losses to bronze in some places, revealing the iron underneath. Losses to bronze seem to be ancient based on iron patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 9, 2017 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000