Byzantine Bronze “The Bejewelled Cross of Christ” — Sacred Medallion with Christ & Holy Gospel (No reserve price)
03
days
17
hours
08
minutes
59
seconds
Current bid
€ 53
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €53 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €50 | |
| €38 | |
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Byzantine bronze devotional medallion wearable as a pendant, dating to circa 7th–13th century AD, with Christ and the Holy Gospel on the obverse and a jeweled-style cross on the reverse, in good ancient condition with visible patination and a modern suspension fitting.
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Description from the seller
A striking Byzantine Christian devotional medallion, now presented as a wearable pendant, displaying two of the most important images of Byzantine faith: Christ and the Cross.
One side depicts Christ, shown frontally with a halo surrounding His head. He appears to hold a Holy Book, or Gospel Book, an image associated with Christ as teacher and bearer of the divine word. Despite the considerable age-related wear, the central figure, halo and elements of the garment remain discernible and give the medallion a powerful devotional character.
The opposite side carries a prominent cross with expanded arms, accompanied by geometric elements within its quarters. The design is reminiscent of the richly ornamented or jeweled crosses (crux gemmata) that played an important role in Byzantine Christian imagery. Such crosses symbolized not simply the Crucifixion, but also Christ's victory, salvation and eternal life.
The combination of Christ with the Holy Gospel on one side and the sacred Cross on the other makes this an especially evocative Christian object. Pieces carrying such imagery could function as personal expressions of faith and protection.
The bronze has developed a deep dark patina with warmer copper-toned highlights across the raised details, emphasizing the ancient relief and irregular character of the surface.
Object: Devotional medallion / wearable pendant
Material: Bronze
Culture: Byzantine Christian
Obverse: Christ with halo, apparently holding the Holy Gospel
Reverse: Prominent jeweled-style Christian cross with surrounding geometric devices
Symbolism: Faith, divine protection, salvation and the Word of Christ
Condition: Ancient surface with substantial age-related wear, deposits and patination; important elements of the original religious imagery remain visible. Please study the photographs carefully.
Modern addition: Suspension fitting and chain are modern and are intended for wearable presentation.
A highly atmospheric piece of Byzantine Christian imagery, bringing together the image of Christ, the Holy Book and the victorious Cross in a single wearable historical object.
A striking Byzantine Christian devotional medallion, now presented as a wearable pendant, displaying two of the most important images of Byzantine faith: Christ and the Cross.
One side depicts Christ, shown frontally with a halo surrounding His head. He appears to hold a Holy Book, or Gospel Book, an image associated with Christ as teacher and bearer of the divine word. Despite the considerable age-related wear, the central figure, halo and elements of the garment remain discernible and give the medallion a powerful devotional character.
The opposite side carries a prominent cross with expanded arms, accompanied by geometric elements within its quarters. The design is reminiscent of the richly ornamented or jeweled crosses (crux gemmata) that played an important role in Byzantine Christian imagery. Such crosses symbolized not simply the Crucifixion, but also Christ's victory, salvation and eternal life.
The combination of Christ with the Holy Gospel on one side and the sacred Cross on the other makes this an especially evocative Christian object. Pieces carrying such imagery could function as personal expressions of faith and protection.
The bronze has developed a deep dark patina with warmer copper-toned highlights across the raised details, emphasizing the ancient relief and irregular character of the surface.
Object: Devotional medallion / wearable pendant
Material: Bronze
Culture: Byzantine Christian
Obverse: Christ with halo, apparently holding the Holy Gospel
Reverse: Prominent jeweled-style Christian cross with surrounding geometric devices
Symbolism: Faith, divine protection, salvation and the Word of Christ
Condition: Ancient surface with substantial age-related wear, deposits and patination; important elements of the original religious imagery remain visible. Please study the photographs carefully.
Modern addition: Suspension fitting and chain are modern and are intended for wearable presentation.
A highly atmospheric piece of Byzantine Christian imagery, bringing together the image of Christ, the Holy Book and the victorious Cross in a single wearable historical object.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
circa 7th–13th century AD
Name of object
“The Bejewelled Cross of Christ” — Sacred Medallion with Christ & Holy Gospel
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
