Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion)

10th-11th century AD

€ 1,850.00 VAT margin scheme

Article code: 24-2407

Ancient Byzantine reliquary cross (enkolpion) composed of two halves joined by a hinge. This type is scarce and very rare to find complete (two halves together).

On one side it shows the Virgin Mary, standing in the orans pose, with both hands raised in prayer. Medallions at the end of the arms containg busts of the four evangelists holding Gospel books. The four Evangelists are indicated on the cross by their Byzantine abbreviations next to their medallions: MT: Matthew (top), MP: Mark (bottom), Λ: Luke (left), I: John (right).

On the other half we see Christ wearing a colobium, crucified, between the diminutive figures of the Virgin Mary and St John; above his head a tablet with inscription and representation of the sun and moon; a two-line Greek inscription/abbreviation beneath each arm.

Inscription under Christ's right arm: ΙΔΕ Ο ΥΙΟΣ ΣΟΥ · ΙΔΟΥ Η ΜΗΤΗΡ ΣΟΥ, translated as: “Behold your son; behold your mother” (John 19:26–27).

Size: ± 102,8 x 55,7 mm

Condition: good and solid condition with smooth olive-brown patina. Hinge loop on the underside is broken. Signs of wear consistent with an ancient artefact.

Reference 1: Compare The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no. 2018.870.3, for a related example consisting of one half only.

Reference 2: Compare The British Museum, registration no. 1985,0305.1, for a closely related complete reliquary cross reportedly found in Palestine.

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Features and Specifications

Period	Byzantine
Category	Ancient Jewellery, Artefacts
Material	Bronze
Country	Byzantine Empire

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Ancient Religions & Christianity 20

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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion)

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