Title

Pendant Cross Reliquary

Creator

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

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