Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6th-7th century A.D. or later. Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop. Cf. Ross, M.C., Catalogue of the Byzantine and Early Mediaeval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume 2: Jewelry, Enamels and Art of the Migration Period, Washington, 2005, pl.XCVIII, items 62,179, for similar engravings of an angel on a ring and a pendant; the same image appears on the coins of Anastasios I (491-518), see Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 44, 639 (ring).
9.27 grams, 29 mm (1 1/8 in.).
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658. The Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]