Title
Creation Date
10th century
Geography
Istanbul, Constantinople, Turkey
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
3 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.
Credit Line
Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020
Accession Number
2020.142
Description
A hollow, two-piece reliquary cross, the two pieces now detached. One side shows the Crucifixion with the Mother of God and St. John the Evangelist on the right and left of Christ, who wears a colobium. Above Christ's head are the sun and moon, and under His arms are the Greek abbreviations for the words "Behold thy Son/behold thy Mother." On the reverse side of the piece is depicted the orans Mother of God; Medallions, one on each of the arms of the cross, depict the four Evangelists. The figures on both sides of the piece have been badly rubbed, and the bottom hinge and closure have been broken off.
Provenance
Purchased in the Istanbul bazaar in 1968.
Collection
The Byzantine World
Preview

Oblique view
2020.142c.JPG (4068 kB)
Crucifixion front
2020.142d.JPG (4051 kB)
Crucifixion back
2020.142e.JPG (4646 kB)
Mother of God front
2020.142f.JPG (4193 kB)
Mother of God back
2020.142g.JPG (4356 kB)
Oblique view
2020.142h.JPG (4386 kB)
Oblique view