Medieval Christian Bronze Cross - Eastern Roman/Byzantine - 13th – 15th Century AD (Paleologian Era)
Fine dark patina with green overtones
Front: Full-length figure of haloed Christ, wearing a loincloth with arms extended.
Busts of Saints appear at each terminus.
Back: Undecorated.
By the 5th and 6th centuries, the Cross had replaced the Chi-Rho as the standard emblem of Christian religious devotion. Its meaning transcended that of the simple monogram to visually recall the crucifixion. Crosses were worn by individuals from every social stratum, from the elaborate bejeweled golden cross of the patriarch to the simple crosses of the common man. 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.
Byzantine depictions of Christ wearing a loincloth are usually later than those with a robe. A well-crafted artifact in excellent condition, retaining its suspension loop.
(50 x 27 mm – 1 7/8 x 1”)
Weight: 10.08 grams
