Pendant Cross Reliquary

Unknown

12th–14th centuries · Silver and gilded silver · Medieval Art

Gilded silver reliquary crosses were popular in the Orthodox world in the Byzantine and post Byzantine centuries. This work survives in its entirety. The two halves of the reliquary display Christ and an enthroned Virgin flanked by medallions with busts of holy figures. The chain from which the reliquary hung is closed by a clasp with an image of a bearded figure, possibly representing God the Father.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–14th centuries

Medium

Silver and gilded silver

Culture

Byzantine or early Russian (?)

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Ronald R. Atkins, Esq., 2018