From an Ornate Necklace

CNG 100, Lot: 1980. Estimate $3000. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gold cross pendant. Circa 650-750. (40x54mm, 8.24 g). Hollow-formed cross pendant decorated with a central cross framed by a scroll pattern supporting a smaller cross within a circular frame in each arm. A few light cracks, otherwise a well preserved and impressive piece.

From the Joan Wilde Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind.

This cross was very likely the central element of a highly ornate necklace. Such a necklace with a similar (but solid cast) pectoral cross was uncovered in the 1902 Second Cyprus Treasure (see Kurt Weitzmann, ed. Age of Sprituality: Late antique and early Christian art, third to seventh century [Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York, 1979], no. 285). Cross and whorl patterns are fairly rare on gold pectoral crosses of the time, with figural designs of Christ, the Virgin, saints or angels more frequently encountered.