Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 13th century CE. A beautiful bronze cross with flaring arms that terminate in small points. The edges have a delicately incised motif around them, forming a thin, textured border. The face is studded by five raised, rounded points - a large one at the center and one in the center of each arm. The ornate, pointed lower terminus was intended to be inserted or attached to a processional staff. A fine example with a beautifully aged surface and gorgeous grey-green patina! Size: 3.7" W x 7.55" H (9.4 cm x 19.2 cm); 7.95" H (20.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Byzantium was established when the fourth century Emperor Constantine, also known as Saint Constantine, Christianized the Roman Empire and pronounced Constantinople in Byzantium as the capital. The visual culture of this era demonstrates a synthesis of classical Greek, Roman, and Christian influences.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137126

Intact, with grey-green patina and light encrustations on the back.