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Details / Information for Fragment of a Processional Cross

Fragment of a Processional Cross

c. 1050
Measurements
Overall: 32.3 x 44.8 x 5.7 cm (12 11/16 x 17 5/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

Byzantine processions were a feast for the senses. Imagine the scent of sweet and spicy incense wafting through the air, mingling with the sound of sacred chants as priests carry this cross in a procession during the service.

Description

Impressively large and elaborately embellished, the cross to which this fragment belonged was likely carried in liturgical processions. The central medallion on its front depicts Christ, flanked by medallions showing the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist. Together they form the Deesis, a powerful Byzantine image formula evoking these saints’ intercession with Christ on behalf of mankind. In the central medallion on the cross’s back is Saint Sabas, founder of an important monastery near Jerusalem, in whose honor the cross was made. He is surrounded by other monastic saints, thus indicating that the cross was likely used by a monastic community.
A silver gilt processional cross fragment features flared arms ending in spherical knobs. Circular medallions containing raised figures occupy the center and each terminal, surrounded by intricate niello-outlined foliage. The central figure raises a hand in blessing. Gilded bands and floral motifs run along the lengths of the arms, while the horizontal bar curves upward toward the center. Dark scrolling patterns and fine silver etchings fill the remaining space.

Fragment of a Processional Cross

c. 1050

Byzantium, Constantinople, Byzantine period

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