Reliquary Cross with Christ Crucified and the Virgin and Child

Unknown

11th century · Copper alloy, niello · Medieval Art

This cross represents a more refined example of the reliquary crosses common during the middle Byzantine period. The image of the crucified Christ is similar to the one on the reverse of the cross reliquary lid in this case. He wears a colobium (sleeveless or short-sleeve tunic) with two clavi (bands), and his feet are supported by a large footrest (suppedaneum), while his death can be inferred from the slight angle of his head to the left. On the reverse is the Virgin. In front of her body is a medallion with the Christ Child, an image type that stresses Christ’s divinity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Copper alloy, niello

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1926