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Cameo with Saints Peter and Paul
Italo-Byzantine (Venice)
Italo-Byzantine
12th-13th century
Object Place: Europe, Venice, Italy
Medium/Technique
Glass paste
Dimensions
2.1 x 1.6 cm (13/16 x 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Samuel Putnam Avery Fund
Accession Number40.730
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsGlass
DescriptionTranslucent green molded medallion representing the Adoration of the Cross in relief. Flanking the cross, Peter and Paul stand on a groundline with their inner arms raised. Two reversed Ps appear above the figures' heads. On the left, Paul with a pointed beard holds a sword, the instrument of his Passion, in his right arm. On the right, Peter has short hair and a closely cropped beard and holds keys, the ends of which have been broken off. The nimbi are a continuous line.
Provenance1940, sold by Kirkor Minassin (dealer; b. 1874 - d. 1944), New York, to the MFA for $25. (Accession date: November 14, 1940)