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LOT 0928
Byzantine Copper Talisman Pendant with Saint George
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (9.55 grams, 62 mm).
Tongue-shaped pendant with integral loop, obverse with stylised figure of a horseman spearing a creature, lion below and text surrounding 'EIC ΘΕΟϹ Ο ΝΙΚΟΝΤΑ ', reverse with stylised angel and legend '[KONCTA]NTΙΝΟY'.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. for some of the represented symbols on medallions Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 577, 582, 585.
FootnotesThe amulet has a prophylactic element asking the divine protection of a military saint (probably Saint Sisinnius, or Saint George or Saint Theodore) with the inscription 'Winning for God'. The amulet seems to belong to a certain Konstantinos, probably a soldier.
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The text surrounding the angel recites the verses of Psalm 90 (Heb.91) in the ‘Great Reward Prayer’ (Μεγάλο Απόδειπνο): …Ο κατοικών εν βοηθεία τού Υψίστου, εν σκέπη τού Θεού τού ουρανού αυλισθήσεται. Ερεί τώ Κυρίω, Αντιλήπτωρ μου εί, καί καταφυγή μου… = …He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress…'
