Weight in the Shape of a Byzantine Empress

5th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 301

Portraits busts of Byzantine empresses were used for weights, thereby encouraging the public's belief in the state's ability to ensure fair and prosperous trade. The women here, whose elaborate jewels represented the wealth of the state, hold a mappa, an official symbol of imperial authority, or a scroll, reflecting the state's emphasis on learning.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Weight in the Shape of a Byzantine Empress
Date: 5th century
Culture: Byzantine
Medium: Copper alloy, filled with metal
Dimensions: 5 1/2 × 2 11/16 × 1 3/4 in., 3.5 lb. (13.9 × 6.9 × 4.5 cm, 1574g)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Bequest of Adra M. Newell, 1966
Object Number: 67.154.1
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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Weight in the Shape of a Byzantine Empress, Copper alloy, Byzantine — Weight in the Shape of a Byzantine Empress
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Steelyard Weight with the Bust of Athena, Copper alloy, Byzantine — Steelyard Weight with the Bust of Athena
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Steelyard Weight with the Bust of a Woman, Copper alloy, Byzantine — Steelyard Weight with the Bust of a Woman
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Steelyard Weight with the Bust of Athena, Copper alloy, filled with lead, Byzantine — Steelyard Weight with the Bust of Athena
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Steelyard Weight with a Bust of a Byzantine Empress and a Hook, Copper alloy, filled with lead, brass hook, Byzantine — Steelyard Weight with a Bust of a Byzantine Empress and a Hook
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