Gold and Niello Bracelet
The bracelet's box housed a relic meant to protect the owner, whose name, probably Myras, appears in a monogram.
As Christianity became the dominant religion in Byzantine society, Christian imagery was increasingly found on jewelry. Crosses appear by the fifth century; the Virgin Mary, saints, angels, and other holy figures became popular in the sixth century. The images were thought to protect the wearer, aid in prayers, and even perform miracles.
As Christianity became the dominant religion in Byzantine society, Christian imagery was increasingly found on jewelry. Crosses appear by the fifth century; the Virgin Mary, saints, angels, and other holy figures became popular in the sixth century. The images were thought to protect the wearer, aid in prayers, and even perform miracles.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold and Niello Bracelet
- Date: 5th–6th century
- Geography: Made in possibly Syria
- Culture: Byzantine
- Medium: Gold, niello
- Dimensions: Overall: 2 3/8 x 2 3/8 x 7/8 in. (6.1 x 6.1 x 2.3 cm)
bezel: 7/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (2.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm)
band ht: 13/16 in. (2 cm) - Classification: Metalwork-Gold
- Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
- Object Number: 17.190.2054
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Byzantine
500–650
Byzantine
500–650
Byzantine
500–650
Byzantine
500–650
Byzantine
500–650
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