Half of a Pendant Reliquary Cross
The cross displays an incised image of the Virgin and Child. The inscription in Greek at the top identifies the Virgin as the Theotokos, Mother of God. The Christ Child with a nimbed halo representing his Crucifixion, appears on her breast. To her sides are busts of two figures, possibly evangelists or theologians who had written about her. This is half of a pendant relic container which, when complete, would have held a small relic, an object of devotion and a protection for the wearer. Similar cross reliquaries are found throughout the Byzantine Empire and beyond.
Artwork Details
- Title: Half of a Pendant Reliquary Cross
- Date: 11th century
- Culture: Byzantine
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: 3 3/4 × 2 3/8 in. (9.5 × 6 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.37.16
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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