Lot Essay
For two cross stands with similar keyhole apertures, see nos. 21a and 21e in H.C. Evans and W.D. Wixom, eds., The Glory of Byzantium.
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CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
Details
A BYZANTINE BRONZE CROSS STAND
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
Formed of three separately-cast sections, the base a cylindrical shaft with double keyhole apertures, a band of incised circles above, the middle with an ovoid globe on a cylindrical base, the globe bisected with a band of eight circular apertures alternating with projecting griffins, their beaks with small suspension holes, a band of keyhole apertures above, the top surmounted by a dove, its eyes, tail and wing feathers incised, a suspension loop in its beak, a shaft for attachment of a now-missing cross through its center, with a Greek inscription on the central element reading, "Lord come to the aid of your servant, Michael Constantinos"
14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) high
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
Formed of three separately-cast sections, the base a cylindrical shaft with double keyhole apertures, a band of incised circles above, the middle with an ovoid globe on a cylindrical base, the globe bisected with a band of eight circular apertures alternating with projecting griffins, their beaks with small suspension holes, a band of keyhole apertures above, the top surmounted by a dove, its eyes, tail and wing feathers incised, a suspension loop in its beak, a shaft for attachment of a now-missing cross through its center, with a Greek inscription on the central element reading, "Lord come to the aid of your servant, Michael Constantinos"
14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) high
Provenance
with Francesca Artuner, Brussels.
J. Frickel, Cologne, acquired from the above, 1964.
Private Collection, Paris, 1982-2014.
J. Frickel, Cologne, acquired from the above, 1964.
Private Collection, Paris, 1982-2014.