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Hanging Lamp with a Hand Holding a Cross

made 500–700, restored and possibly reconfigured 1900s
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 300
The flowerlike terminals of the lamp arms held glass vessels full of oil. The hand was probably an offering for a cure as suggested by the large Greek inscription on the cross, “Christ help [me],” and by the inclusion of healing saints. “Saints Kosmas and Damianos be praised” is inscribed over the twin medical saints whose medical kits are at the base. The other figures are Saint Stephen at the center, flanked by Saints Paul (left) and Peter (right), with the Virgin and Child enthroned above.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hanging Lamp with a Hand Holding a Cross
  • Date: made 500–700, restored and possibly reconfigured 1900s
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: Overall: 13 3/4 x 16 1/4 in. (35 x 41.3 cm)
    Overall (with stem mount and plate): 18 3/4 x 16 1/4 in. (47.7 x 41.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Bronze
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.150
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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