Εγχάρακτη παράσταση του αρχαγγέλου Μιχαήλ σε λιτανικό σταυρό
Part of : Δελτίον της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας ; Vol.36, 1995, pages 189-194
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Pages:
189-194
Parallel Title:
Incised Depiction of the Archangel Michael on a Processional Cross
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Articles
Abstract:
The processional cross belongs to the private Collection ofG. Tsolosidis, Athens. On the central section of the verticalcross-arm of the cross, a standing Archangel Michael isdepicted frontally with his wings symmetrically extendinginto the horizontal cross-arms. Above the head is theinscription MHXAIA. He wears imperial vestments, a chitonand loros, and holds the symbols of authority: the orb and thescepter. This is a depiction of the archangel-emperor with theloros carefully rendered in the manner they appear worn byemperors in ivory coronations scenes of the 10th century.The fine rendering of the face and the attempted detail ofthe garments indicate a Constantinopolitan workshop. Adate for the cross in the 10th century is based on comparison with corresponding works -scenes inscribed onmetal- from the same period, but also on the comparison of the Archangel's loros with those of the 10thcentury emperors. An important indication for the date isthe inscription where some letters are written withdouble bars. This, and the manner in which ligatures areused, resembles inscriptions found on crosses and othermetal objects from the 10th century.The loros worn by the Archangel, with its connotations ofresurrection and triumph, is linked to the soteriologicalcontent of the cross and reflects its processional use.
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