Byzantine, 10th/ 11th century

inscribed: ΝΗΚΟΛΡΟC and ΘΕΟΔΟΡΟC

The cross fragment has stable warping , small folds and minor fissures throughout consistent with material, particularly on the sides. There is an area of restoration to the left side at the height of St George. There are areas of greening and there is white pigment in some of the crevices. Otherwise the condition of the copper is stable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Byzantine processional crosses were usually decorated according to a standard hierarchy. While Christ, Mary, the Archangels and St John the Precursor generally populate roundels on the terminals and in the centre of the front, lesser saints were usually represented on the other side. It is therefore likely that the present fragment was used on the reverse. The orientation of the figures indicates that this piece formed the lower arm of the cross. Full-length saints appear in niello and gold on the reverse of a number of 11th-century silver repoussé crosses, including an example in the George Ortiz Collection, Geneva (inv. no. 260). The florid cross shape above St Nicholas is also reminiscent of the abstract engravings on bronze crosses of the 10th century (Kanellopoulos Museum, Athens, inv. no. X. 863).

RELATED LITERATURE
H.C. Evans and W.D. Wixom (eds.), The glory of Byzantium. Art and culture of the Middle Byzantine era A.D. 843-1261, exhib. cat. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997, pp. 58-67, nos. 55-27