Advanced Search
Advanced Search

Knop of a cross

Byzantine (Anatolia?)
Byzantine
12th century
Object Place: Middle East, Byzantium

Medium/Technique Leaded latten (70% copper, 1.5% zinc, 2.7% lead, 5.8% tin)
Dimensions 13.4 x 5.1 cm (5 1/4 x 2 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Richard R. Wagner
Accession Number1972.1036a-b
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsMetalwork

DescriptionThe two sides of the object are cast from the same mold. Divided from the lower section by a band, the upper part of the shaft has five vertical facets on each side. Separated from the shaft by two bands, each side of the knop shows two medallions with busts of saints: one a female martyr wearing a wimple and holding a cross to her breast, the other a military saint with short curly hair carrying a sword or lance over his left shoulder.
Provenance1972, gift of Richard R. Wagner (b. 1907 - d. 2002), West Barnstable, MA, to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 13, 1972)