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The Christian Church Triumphant (cat. 16-30)

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18

Gem with the Virgin Orant, a cross above


Garnet
Byzantine, ca. 500 AD
Height: 7/16 inches (1.8 cm.)
Private Collection

During the second half of the fifth century, a workshop, probably in Constantinople, specialized in producing engraved garnets (and occasionally sapphires), usually set in fine gold rings. Doves, peacock, and eagles, as well as personal monograms, were popular motifs on these gems, but iconic Christian images were also frequent. Examples survive depicting standing figures of Christ, the Virgin, and angels, as well as the Cross and the Hetoimasia (a cross on the throne of Christ, the "Prepared Throne"). The garnet engraved with the Virgin standing as orant, in very fine style, is one of the earliest examples of the image to survive.

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