Hanging Lamp with a Hand Holding a Cross

Unknown

made 500–700, restored and possibly reconfigured 1900s · Copper alloy · The Cloisters

The flowerlike terminals of the lamp arms held glass vessels full of oil. The hand was probably an offering for a cure as suggested by the large Greek inscription on the cross, “Christ help [me],” and by the inclusion of healing saints. “Saints Kosmas and Damianos be praised” is inscribed over the twin medical saints whose medical kits are at the base. The other figures are Saint Stephen at the center, flanked by Saints Paul (left) and Peter (right), with the Virgin and Child enthroned above.

Artist

Unknown

Date

made 500–700, restored and possibly reconfigured 1900s

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1974