Reliquary Pendant

Unknown

10th–11th century · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

Copper alloy reliquary crosses were popular in the Orthodox world in the Byzantine and post Byzantine centuries. The two halves of the reliquary were joined by a hinge and were meant to be worn on a chain. On the face of this work the crucified Christ appears flanked by the Virgin and John the Evangelist. He wears the colobium, an iconographic type established in the Early Christian centuries. On the reverse, the Virgin Mary (Mother of God) stands in an orant prayer pose with upraised hands. Flanking her on the arms of the cross are medallions with busts of the four evangelists holding their gospels. This face is similar to TR167.3.2017.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th–11th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Ronald R. Atkins, Esq., 2018