Medieval Byzantine Devotional Plaque Six Saints Christian Holy Land 1100AD wCOA
$ 247.64
Description
As with all items in this collection, this artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance , detailing typology, dating, region, and collection history. Medieval Byzantine Devotional Plaque Six Saints Christian Holy Land 1100AD Authentic Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance This bronze devotional plaque dates to the medieval Byzantine period and is accompanied by a lifetime authenticity guarantee. The piece originates from an old European antiquities collection and represents authentic Christian devotional art associated with the eastern Mediterranean during the Crusader era. Item Details Object: Devotional Plaque / Icon Plate Culture: Byzantine Christian Date: circa 11th–12th century AD Material: Bronze Size: 50 mm Description This bronze devotional plaque depicts a sacred Christian scene arranged in three registers, each containing two haloed holy figures. The composition forms a miniature iconographic program representing revered saints or apostles in a structured architectural setting. The upper register shows two haloed figures beneath an architectural arch, possibly representing Christ with a saint or an apostolic pairing. The central register shows two additional holy figures in prayerful posture, while the lower register contains two saints presented in frontal devotional style. The architectural framing evokes the structure of a church façade or heavenly sanctuary, symbolizing the Church as the dwelling place of the saints. Such visual arrangements were common in Byzantine religious art, where saints were depicted in hierarchical rows representing the celestial order. Objects of this type were used as portable devotional icons. Pilgrims and believers carried them as protective religious objects, while others were mounted on reliquaries, processional objects, or small household shrines. During the medieval period the eastern Mediterranean saw intense religious interaction between Byzantine Christian communities and Crusader pilgrims. Devotional plaques like this one reflect the blending of Byzantine artistic traditions with the religious culture of pilgrims visiting the sacred sites of Christianity. Biblical and Religious Context The representation of saints arranged in heavenly registers reflects the Christian concept of the communion of saints , the spiritual unity between believers and the holy figures of the Church. The New Testament describes the saints as members of a heavenly assembly: Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely.” Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number… standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” The architectural framing of the figures recalls the imagery of the Heavenly Jerusalem , described in the Book of Revelation as a sacred city inhabited by the righteous. Revelation 21:2 “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” The halo surrounding each figure reflects the Byzantine artistic convention symbolizing divine light and sanctity. Comparable Examples (Museum Parallels) The British Museum Byzantine bronze devotional plaque with saints Museum number: BM 1982,0603.44 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Byzantine icon plaque with multiple saints Accession number: 1986.3.12 The Israel Museum Medieval Byzantine devotional plaque from eastern Mediterranean contexts Accession number: IMJ 77.6.214 Further Reading Evans, Helen Byzantium: Faith and Power. Cormack, Robin Byzantine Art. Maguire, Henry The Icons of Their Bodies: Saints and Their Images. Condition Ancient bronze plaque with stable patina and visible wear consistent with medieval age and burial. One edge partially missing but the iconographic scene remains well preserved and clearly identifiable. 6-3
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This is an amazing piece of history and it is an honor to have it in my collection! Excellent seller who goes above and beyond to conduct business with integrity… all of the several artifacts I have purchased are described in detail and exactly as sold… shipped quickly and safely… packed with great care… excellent price for a very special artifact!
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