Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion)

10th-11th century AD

€ 1,850.00 VAT margin scheme

In stock: 1 available Article code: 24-2407

Object Description

Byzantine reliquary cross (enkolpion) composed of two hinged halves. Complete examples of this type are scarce.

One side shows the Virgin Mary standing in the Orans pose with both hands raised in prayer. Medallions at the ends of the arms contain busts of the four Evangelists holding Gospel books. Byzantine abbreviations identify Matthew at the top, Mark at the bottom, Luke on the left and John on the right.

The other half shows Christ wearing a colobium and crucified between the diminutive figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John. Above his head is a tablet with an inscription and representations of the sun and moon. A two-line Greek inscription or abbreviation appears beneath each arm.

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

Specifications

Size: ± 102,8 x 55,7 mm

Condition

Good, solid condition with smooth olive-brown patina. Hinge loop on the underside is broken. Signs of wear consistent with an ancient artefact.

References

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

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

Features and Specifications

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

Related Jewellery & Artefacts

Large Byzantine Bronze Processional Cross with Haloed Saint

Theme Collections

Ancient Religions & Christianity 20

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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion)