ByzG011
Early Christian Christogram glass medallion
Early Byzantine Period: 4th-7th century AD.
D. 4.7cm.
Perfect condition. Richly iridescent.
Ex. G. Blumenthal Collection.
New
Sold
The glass medallion depicts in high relief the early Christian symbol – the XP (Chi Ro) monogram cross, the Christogram, combining the cross with the monogram of the two first Greek letters of the Greek name of Christ – Christos.
The Christogram symbolized the triumph of Christ and Christ himself and was believed to have protective power. In the fourth century AD it was more common Christian symbol than the cross.
The Christogram is framed with a wreath. The medallion was an applique ornament on a glass vessel.
Cf. Israeli Y., and Mevorah D., editors, Cradle of Christianity, Exh. cat., The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2000, pp. 121-126.
Whitehouse, D., Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol. II, New York, 2001, pp. 235-236, Nos. 818-820
Back to top
|
|
Click on any image to enlarge it.
 
|
