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. Made out of a thin
sheet of bronze, the flaring arms of the cross
terminate in disks at each corner. The outer edge
of the front retains traces of a decorative border,
perhaps in wire. Circular bosses adorn the
midpoints of the vertical arms, while a large
openwork roundel dominates the cross' center.
Radiating out from this central roundel as well as
from each corner are teardrop shapes with either
three or one dot at their rounded ends; those in
the center have three, the corners one. An
attractive olive green patina with some
incrustation covers the work, a testament to its
age. We can imagine this cross being paraded
through the crowded corridors of a Byzantine
city. Even today, it is common to have elaborate
procession where holy relics are marched though
town on religious holidays. Surely this splendid
cross would have been the centerpiece of such a
procession.
- (X.0039)
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