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Byzantine Art :
Byzantine Crosses : Byzantine Bronze Cross
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Byzantine Bronze Cross - FJ.6760
Origin: Israel
Circa: 600
AD
to 1100
AD
Dimensions:
1.25" (3.2cm) high
Collection: Byzantine Art
Medium: Bronze-Gold-Sapphire
$2,900.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This Ancient Cross Has Been Set in a Modern 18
Karat Gold Pendant Completed by Four Sapphire
Highlights
Though the cross is one of the simplest of
forms, it is probably the most poignant. For
Christians, the cross is the most potent symbol
in existence, representing the earthly suffering,
spiritual liberation, resurrection, and eternal life
of Jesus Christ. The fact that an instrument of
death was turned into a symbol of spiritual
rebirth is amazing in itself. This is especially
true for the faithful, and the Byzantine age was
certainly one of fervent piety and extreme
fanaticism. In terms of religious expression, this
lovely cross falls into the category of gentle
piousness and deep devotion. This Latin-shaped
cross has been incised with a representation of
Mary. The Virgin is shown with her arms
outstretched in prayer, bent upward towards the
heavens. This specific pose is known as the
Virgin Orans, meaning “Praying Virgin.” The
forms of figure have been abstracted, especially
regarding her lack of facial features. This
suggestive style heightens the spirituality of the
work, for it is the idea of the holiness of the
Virgin that is the focus, not her physicality. The
Virgin is surrounded by four busts, one on each
arm of the cross. These figures most likely
represent the four gospel writers: Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John. They are shown on other similar
examples holding books, thus confirming their
identity. Here, the books are suggested by small
triangles at the base of the busts that have worn
away over the ages almost to the point of
indecipherability. This personal relic does not
shout of pain and passion, it is instead an
elegant reminder of the one event central to
Christianity its witnesses and recorders. Though
worn publicly, it does not flaunt its creed; but
proclaims the wearer is sharing the quiet joys of
faith while basking in the lavish luxury and rarity
of this precious piece.
- (FJ.6760)
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