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Cross

1550–1600
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 303
The intricately carved cross was used when the clergy blessed the faithful. Its handle inserts into the ten-sided base. The four tiers of the base depict forty-eight scenes from the Hebrew Bible, which Christian theologians regarded as prefiguring events in the life of Christ. On the cross are the related scenes from Christ's life. The intricate carvings are typical of later Byzantine works.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cross
  • Artist: Attributed to George Laskaris (Giorgios Laskaris)
  • Date: 1550–1600
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Boxwood
  • Dimensions: Overall: 16 7/8 x 4 x 3 1/16 in. (42.9 x 10.2 x 7.7 cm)
    base only: 8 9/16 x 3 7/16 x 3 1/16 in. (21.7 x 8.8 x 7.7 cm)
    cross only with shaft: 12 13/16 x 4 x 1 in. (32.5 x 10.2 x 2.6 cm)
    cross without shaft: 8 1/8 x 4 x 1 in. (20.6 x 10.2 x 2.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Wood
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Giorgi Family Foundation Gift, 2019
  • Object Number: 2019.559a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

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Processional Cross, Silver, partially gilt on wood core, carved gems, jewels, Spanish
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Crucifix, Wood with polychromy, North Italian
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ca. 1200–1220
Miniature Altarpiece with the Crucifixion, Boxwood, Netherlandish
Miniature Altarpiece with the Crucifixion
Netherlandish
early 16th century
Diptych with the Nativity and the Mass of Saint Gregory, Boxwood, Netherlandish
Diptych with the Nativity and the Mass of Saint Gregory
Netherlandish
early 16th century

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