Large Ancient Christian Reliquary Cross, Byzantine 10-12 Cent AD

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Ancient Christian Reliquary Cross - Byzantine Era: Circa 10th – 12th century AD

(Period of the 1st – 3rd Crusades)

Ancient Byzantine Reliquary Cross: By the 5th and 6th centuries, the Cross had replaced the Chi-Rho as the standard emblem of Christian religious devotion. The word crusade, which is derived from the Latin crux (cross), is a reference to the biblical injunction that Christians carry their cross. Crusaders wore a red cross sewn on their tunics to indicate they had assumed the cross and were soldiers of Christ. Many also wore a pectoral cross around their neck.

This is a large two part, hinged bronze reliquary cross, which is complete and apparently unopened. This unusual cross portrays, on one side, Christ with arms extended, wearing a robe (colobium). On the other side is a representation of the Virgin Mary, also with arms extended and hands raised (“orans”).  On both sides, the four arms of the cross are terminated with the bust of a saint. The reliquary was probably thought to contain a splinter of the True Cross. For other bronze reliquary crosses, see the exhibition catalog “Kreuz und Kruzifix” (Diocese Museum of Friesing, Germany, 2005) – pgs 174-175. A similar iconography is depicted in Pitarakis “Les Croix-Reliquaries Pectorales” Number 129. Byzantine representations of the Crucifixion which show Christ wearing a robe are normally earlier than those in which he wears a loincloth.

Superb condition, with a pleasing green patina.

(101 x 42 mm – 4 15/16 x 1 11/16”)

  • Inventory# PA-3500
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