Christian Bronze Cross w figure of St George - c 10-12th Cent AD

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Early Christian Bronze Cross – Saint George - Eastern Roman/Byzantine

Circa 10th – 12th Century AD (Crusades Period)

Front: "Orans" figure of robed Saint George with upraised hands. He is named in a Greek inscription above his head.

Back: Undecorated

Fine green patina with light overtones. (51 x 30 mm – 2 x 1.25”, weight 8.40 gm.)

By the 5th and 6th centuries, the Cross had replaced the Chi-Rho as the standard emblem of Christian religious devotion. Its meaning transcended that of the simple monogram to visually recall the crucifixion. Crosses were worn by individuals from every social stratum, from the elaborate bejeweled golden cross of the patriarch to the simple crosses of the common man. The word crusade, which is derived from the Latin crux (cross), is a reference to the biblical injunction that Christians carry their cross. Crusaders wore a red cross sewn on their tunics to indicate they had assumed the cross and were soldiers of Christ. Many also wore a pectoral cross around their neck.

A substantial and well-crafted artifact in excellent condition, retaining its suspension loop.  

Reference: another cross with this iconography, see item 294 in Hirmer, “Rom und Byzanz”, published Munich, 1998.

 

  • Inventory# PA-3597