Rare Byzantine Brass Crucifix Covering w/ Greek Text

Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A repousse brass sheet, shaped to wrap around the upper arm of a large cross, that was likely once part of a brass covering for a full cross. The face is decorated with images of an image of the Virgin and Child at its top, depicted under an arch, between two columns. Byzantine Greek letters flow in a vertical bar from the base of the image to the bottom of the piece, which narrows from its apex. The sides curve inward, made to wrap around wood or some other material, with small perforations around the edges where the sheet would have been nailed in place. Size: 3.65" W x 17" H (9.3 cm x 43.2 cm); 20.25" H (51.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast, USA collection; ex major New York Gallery before 2011

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#145849
Condition Report: Piece is a fragment of a larger item as described above. Small tears and holes are on the surface, but the motif and letters are very clear.