Hanging Lamp with a Griffin’s Head

Unknown

4th–6th century · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

This griffin, a mythical beast associated in the classical world with light and protection, was adapted for Christian use by placing on its side a variation of the Chi-Rho Christogram, the monogram for Christ’s name.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–6th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Klejman, 1962