Half of a Pendant Reliquary Cross

Unknown

11th century · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

The cross displays an incised image of the Virgin and Child. The inscription in Greek at the top identifies the Virgin as the Theotokos, Mother of God. The Christ Child with a nimbed halo representing his Crucifixion, appears on her breast. To her sides are busts of two figures, possibly evangelists or theologians who had written about her. This is half of a pendant relic container which, when complete, would have held a small relic, an object of devotion and a protection for the wearer. Similar cross reliquaries are found throughout the Byzantine Empire and beyond.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020