Lot Essay
Reliquary crosses were purchased at pilgrimage centres and were designed to house a relic, usually a fragment of the True Cross, on a chain or string around the neck.
Details
A FRAGMENTARY BRONZE RELIQUARY CROSS
BYZANTINE, PROBABLY 9TH CENTURY
Decorated in relief with a figure of the Virgin in the centre and busts of the four Evangelists on the arms.
In an excavated state; the reverse lacking; damages.
4¼in. (10.8cm.) high
AND ANOTHER FRAGMENTARY RELIQUARY CROSS
Byzantine, 6th to 9th Century
In an excavated state; the reverse lacking; damages.
4¼in. (10.8cm.) high (2)
BYZANTINE, PROBABLY 9TH CENTURY
Decorated in relief with a figure of the Virgin in the centre and busts of the four Evangelists on the arms.
In an excavated state; the reverse lacking; damages.
4¼in. (10.8cm.) high
AND ANOTHER FRAGMENTARY RELIQUARY CROSS
Byzantine, 6th to 9th Century
In an excavated state; the reverse lacking; damages.
4¼in. (10.8cm.) high (2)
Literature
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Brussels, Musées royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Splendeur de Byzance, 2 Oct.- 2 Dec. 1982, Br. 12, 14
Brussels, Musées royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Splendeur de Byzance, 2 Oct.- 2 Dec. 1982, Br. 12, 14