Reliquary Pendant

10th–11th century

Not on view

Copper alloy reliquary crosses were popular in the Orthodox world in the Byzantine and post Byzantine centuries. The two halves of the reliquary were joined by a hinge and were meant to be worn on a chain. On the face of this work the crucified Christ appears flanked by the Virgin and John the Evangelist. He wears the colobium, an iconographic type established in the Early Christian centuries. On the reverse, the Virgin Mary (Mother of God) stands in an orant prayer pose with upraised hands. Flanking her on the arms of the cross are medallions with busts of the four evangelists holding their gospels. This face is similar to TR167.3.2017.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Reliquary Pendant
Date: 10th–11th century
Culture: Byzantine
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: 4 1/16 × 2 3/16 × 5/8 in. (10.3 × 5.6 × 1.6 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Gift of Ronald R. Atkins, 2018
Object Number: 2018.870.2
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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