Cross of Justin II
Type:
Crosses,
Reliquaries
Date:
568–74
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Turkey
Medium:
Bronze,
Gilt-silver
Dimensions:
Approximately 40 × 30 cm (excluding the later stand)
Description:
According to the Latin inscription on its front, this gemmed reliquary cross was a gift from the Byzantine emperor Justin II (r. 565–78) and his wife Sophia to the city of Rome. In addition to the inscription, the obverse has gems and a central panel containing a fragment of the True Cross (the name given to the cross on which Jesus was crucified). On the back are vine scrolls (equating the cross with the tree of life) and figures within five medallions, all rendered in the repoussé technique: two portraits of Christ, the Agnus Dei, and orant figures who are most likely Justin II and Sophia. On the arms of the cross, jewels hang from pendilia, dangling ornaments common in Byzantine jewelry and crowns. The medallion images include additional depictions of crosses: the Lamb of God holds a cross-staff and one of the Christ figures holds a small hand-cross.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3
Repository and Online Resources:
• The cross is currently part of the treasury of the Church of St. Pete in Rome. See details of the cross after its two-year restoration.
Image Credits:
Wikimedia
