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Two extremely rare Early Christian silver gilt roundels, dating to the late Byzantine period, 10th-12th Century A.D.
The roundels originally made with Repoussé and chasing techniques. The depiction is that of St. John, in the guise of an eagle. The eagle is shown in mid flight with halo around the head and carrying the gospel of St. John in its claws. A thick border surrounds the depiction and numerous perforations lie on the edges for attachment.
The function of these roundels is uncertain. They may once have formed part of a large processional cross, or they may have served as decorative appliques on a wooden Icon. The perforation holes are numerous and of different diameter, more obvious on the worn example, perhaps suggesting that they were re-used in antiquity. A roundel of similar style, with damage to the edge, was recently auctioned at Christies South Kensington and sold for £18,750 (US $32,119)1.
St. John is often depicted as, or accompanied by an Eagle in Early Christian iconography2. The association stems from Christian belief that St. John's gospel soars above the other gospels, much like an Eagle "flies higher than any other bird and looks straight into the sun"3.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [John 1:1]
Diameter of each roundel: approx. 1 3/4 inches.
Condition: Unrestored.
Provenance: British Private collection. Previously in a German Private collection and purchased on the Munich Art Market.
References:
1 Christies South Kensington, Antiquities, 13/10/2008 Lot 52. The piece was subsequently sold to a Vienna Gallery and will be exhibited at the forthcoming Russian Art Fair.
2 http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/subiaco-monastery-photos/slides/xti_7921.htm
3 Jacobus De Voragine (translation by W. Ryan), The golden legend: readings on the saints, Princeton, 1995 p. 54
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