People of the early Byzantine world appreciated multicolored jewelry, such as this the large necklace (pectoral) with coins and pseudo-medallion. Artisans procured gold and gems from African trade routes, while pearls were likely sourced from the Persian Gulf. Although this pectoral was found in Egypt, the jewelry shown here has connections to Constantinople, the capital of Byzantium. For example, a personification of that city appears on the back of the central medallion of the pectoral. Notice the female figure holding an orb with a cross and a scepter, both symbols of authority. The front of the medallion and the smaller coins depict Byzantine emperors. This imperial imagery suggests that the pectoral was made from a collection of military trophies that once belonged to a distinguished general or member of the imperial court.
#2750. Pectoral with Coins and Pseudo-Medallion
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2750. Pectoral with Coins and Pseudo-Medallion
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Title:Pectoral with Coins and Pseudo-Medallion
Date:ca. 539–50
Culture:Byzantine
Medium:Gold, niello
Dimensions:Overall: 9 7/16 x 8 5/8 x 5/8 in. (23.9 x 21.9 x 1.6 cm) ring: 19 11/16 x 3/8 in. (50 x 1 cm) Medallion: 2 3/4 x 6 11/16 x 3/8 in. (7 x 17 x 1 cm) weight: 11.9oz. (338g)
Classification:Metalwork-Gold
Credit Line:Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number:17.190.1664
[ Maurice Nahman, Cairo (1909–1912)]; J. Pierpont Morgan (American), London and New York (1912–1913)
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