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LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 1/8 in. (9.27 grams, 29 mm).
Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658.
Cf. Ross, M.C., Catalogue of the Byzantine and Early Mediaeval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume 2: Jewelry, Enamels and Art of the Migration Period, Washington, 2005, pl.XCVIII, items 62,179, for similar engravings of an angel on a ring and a pendant; the same image appears on the coins of Anastasios I (491-518), see Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 44, 639 (ring).
FootnotesThe Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Glass Cosmetic Bottle
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
The molded body of broadly globular form and displaying a 'net' pattern, with everted neck and mouth. 35 grams, 77 mm
Ex Coincraft, London WC1. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. Accompanied by a Coincraft certificate of authenticity. -
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Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop. 9.27 grams, 29 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658.
The Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
The frontal section of an enkolpion, with the representation of crucified Jesus among Saint Mary and Saint John; Christ dressed in a long tunic (colobium) decorated with parallel stripes (clavi) and patterned hatches, his head turned to the right; his wounds on the cross are marked by nails; the cross standing upon a small hill, identified by rare inscription 'Ο ΤΟΠΟС КРАΝΙΟΥ' (a place of a skull, Matthew 27:33), indicating Golgota; the titulum with inscription 'Ι(ΗСΟΥ)С X(ΡΙ СΤΟ)C' (Jesus Christ), and the sun (left) with the moon (right); the central inscription corresponds to the words of the Gospel of John 19:26: 'here is your son, (ΙΔΕ Ο Υ {ΙΟ} С {C}ΟΥ ) here is your Mother (ΙΔΟΥ Η ΜΗΤ{Η}Ρ CΟΥ)'. 56.5 grams, 86 mm
Formerly in a 1980s collection. Acquired on the UK art market. Previously the property of an Essex gentleman.
Usually the reliquary crosses or enkolpia, were composed of two separate halves, inside of which a relic of a saint was contained; this could have been a piece of cloth or a bone. This extraordinary piece is very rare due to containing part of the Gospel of John about the Crucifixion.
