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Reliquary Cross with Mary as Mother of God and Possibly Sts. John and Paul
Circa 9th-11th Century AD
Description: Bronze reliquary cross (enkolpion) depicting four figures. The two central figures are undoubtedly Christ and the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, as indicated by the inscription above. Two additional figures, en buste without inscription, are presented at the end of the left and right arms. By convention, the two busts may represent St. John and St. Paul. Superb patina and sharp inscription. A scarcer type with four figures.
Height: 3.25 in (8.2 cm)
Condition: Intact and attractive except one bottom hinge missing and a small pin-hole to the right arm.
Inscribed:
ΜΗΡ ΘΥ
Mother of God
Background: See PITARAKIS, #318 and #319 for related examples with Christ and Mary flanked by anonymous busts, and #452 for an example flanked by busts identified as St. John and St. Paul.
Provenance: Formerly in the collection of the Boston scholar Carroll Wales, collected 1952-1970.
Price: $ 1,800
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