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Reliquary Cross
Asia Minor (Constantinople or Anatolia)
Byzantine
10th–11th century
Object Place: Middle East, Palestine, Syria
Medium/Technique
Metal; leaded latten (80.2% copper, 9% zinc, 7.6% lead, 3.2% tin)
Dimensions
11.3 x 5.4 x 1.1 cm (4 7/16 x 2 1/8 x 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule III
Accession Number61.1092a-b
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionPectoral cross with slightly flaring arms comprising two valves decorated in relief, fastened with a clasp at the bottom and a hinge at the top (to which a suspension loop is attached). The loop is cast; the sides are cast, chased, and punched. The Crucifixion on the front shows the bearded Christ with his head inclined to the left and wearing a colobium. The suppedaneum is decorated with punch marks and there is a depression in each of Christ's hands and feet to indicate nails. Above his cruciform nimbus is a titulus inscribed with a central X and four dots. At the top are chased and punched symbols of Sol and Luna. The inscription below Christ’s outstretched arms on the front of the cross (IC XC NHK or “Jesus Christ, Victor”) is of a well-known type, highlighting the protective quality of this object for the wearer. At each end are the Virgin (left) and Saint John (right), both with large heads and abbreviated bodies. The single loops for the clasp and hinge emanating from the top and bottom of this side resemble palmettes. On the back side is the Virgin Orans, wearing a tunic and maphorion, superimposed on a finely hatched mandorla. The four ends of the cross have medallions with frontal busts of the Evangelists holding closed books with covers decorated with punched designs. All have short hair and, except for the figure on the left, long pointed beards. A chased outline frames the scenes. Attached to the hinge is a large loop fluted on top.
Provenance1961, gift of Cornelius C. Vermeule III (b. 1925 - d. 2008) and Emily Townsend Vermeule (b. 1928 - d. 2001), Cambridge, MA, to the MFA. (Accession date: October 11, 1961)