Lot 46
Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A stunning bronze reliquary cross with incised iconography of Christ on both sides. Christ's face is done in the instantly recognizable Byzantine style, with a round face and simple features. The cross is heavy and thick, with large hinges at bottom and top; at the top is also a thick bronze ring for suspension. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.7" W x 3.5" H (4.3 cm x 8.9 cm); height on stand: 4.8" (12.2 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, 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. 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: Ex-private East Coast, USA collection; Ex-Gorny & Mosch
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#121024
- Condition: Smooth dark patina over surface, with very clear details.
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| $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 |