Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 100 - Part 2 7 October 2015
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Gold cross pendant. Circa 650-750. (40x54mm, 8.24 g). Hollow-formed cross pendant decorated with a central cross framed by a scroll pattern supporting a smaller cross within a circular frame in each arm. A few light cracks, otherwise a well preserved and impressive piece.
From the Joan Wilde Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind.
This cross was very likely the central element of a highly ornate necklace. Such a necklace with a similar (but solid cast) pectoral cross was uncovered in the 1902 Second Cyprus Treasure (see Kurt Weitzmann, ed. Age of Sprituality: Late antique and early Christian art, third to seventh century [Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York, 1979], no. 285). Cross and whorl patterns are fairly rare on gold pectoral crosses of the time, with figural designs of Christ, the Virgin, saints or angels more frequently encountered.
From the Joan Wilde Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind.
This cross was very likely the central element of a highly ornate necklace. Such a necklace with a similar (but solid cast) pectoral cross was uncovered in the 1902 Second Cyprus Treasure (see Kurt Weitzmann, ed. Age of Sprituality: Late antique and early Christian art, third to seventh century [Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York, 1979], no. 285). Cross and whorl patterns are fairly rare on gold pectoral crosses of the time, with figural designs of Christ, the Virgin, saints or angels more frequently encountered.