Description:

Western Europe, probably Norman, originally made in or near Constantinople, Byzantine, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. What a fascinating relic from the time of the Crusades! Bronze cross showing the image of Maria Theotokos, the Mother of God. Inscribed in a Greek abbreviation above the Maria, also inscribed upon the reverse in a script found in Norman writings between the period of William the Conqueror and Henry I. Recognizable symbols are a cross fleury found on Norman pennies of the period. Adding to the fascinating aspect of this cross, the suspension loop is on the bottom such that the cross would have been worn upside down, a sign that the wearer held extreme contempt for the Byzantine Empire. It might at first glance appear that this cross was damaged as shown by the clipped sections on each side of the central support. This actually shows that the owner needed to spend the bronze as currency, probably to pay for something as simple as bread. Size: 2.7" W x 4.5" H (6.9 cm x 11.4 cm)

This item has been tested using XRF technology and is consistent with items from this time period.

Provenance: private Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA collection

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#189917

    Condition:
  • Two areas of left and right "wings" deliberately clipped to be used as currency. Wonderful deep green and brown patina.

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November 15, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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