Dated around 1000–1050 AD, it is comprised of an iron core, gilded with silver foil and decorated with multiple medallions. The central medallion contains a bust of Jesus Christ. The archangels and heaven’s guardians, Michael and Gabriel, are pictured above and below him respectively. To left and right are medallions depicting the traditional intercessors on behalf of humankind, the Theotokos Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist.
The inscription at the base on the back of the cross (which you can find [here](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466251)) identifies it as the votive gift of a Bishop named Leo, most likely as an offering in honour of Saint Thalelaios, a physician in life, who is depicted in the back central medallion with the symbols of his profession, these being a medical case and a lancet. To the sides are Saint Nicholas and Saint John Chrysostom, two of the most important early Church Fathers, while the archangels Uriel and Raphael appear at top and bottom of the cross. Considering the depiction of Saint Thalelaios, the donation of this cross was most likely connected to the curing an illness.
The cross is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
indianabob67 on
Pretty
9447044 on
I misread the title as crosshairs. It made more sense than it should have.
3 Comments
Dated around 1000–1050 AD, it is comprised of an iron core, gilded with silver foil and decorated with multiple medallions. The central medallion contains a bust of Jesus Christ. The archangels and heaven’s guardians, Michael and Gabriel, are pictured above and below him respectively. To left and right are medallions depicting the traditional intercessors on behalf of humankind, the Theotokos Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist.
The inscription at the base on the back of the cross (which you can find [here](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466251)) identifies it as the votive gift of a Bishop named Leo, most likely as an offering in honour of Saint Thalelaios, a physician in life, who is depicted in the back central medallion with the symbols of his profession, these being a medical case and a lancet. To the sides are Saint Nicholas and Saint John Chrysostom, two of the most important early Church Fathers, while the archangels Uriel and Raphael appear at top and bottom of the cross. Considering the depiction of Saint Thalelaios, the donation of this cross was most likely connected to the curing an illness.
The cross is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Pretty
I misread the title as crosshairs. It made more sense than it should have.