Jesus Christ
The Art and Science of research and the value in luck and chance
One of the most fantastic amethyst gems that I’ve ever held in my hands is one which depicts none other than Jesus Christ which was made in the middle Byzantine period in the 11th — 12th century A.D.
I marvel over this piece constantly in my gallery on Rue Verdaine in Old town Geneva where I keep it safe along with other miniature masterpieces. The purity of the purple stone and quality of the carving in the cameo technique leave me in awe.
While studying about other Byzantine and Christian objects, I pulled a book from my library which was published in 1958 for an exhibition at the Musée du Louvre in Paris entitled, “L’Antiquité Chrétienne” by Etienne Coche de la Ferté. The book is in French and all illustrations are black-and-white photography, but it has proven to be an excellent reference for Byzantine iconography as well as Diptychs (relief carvings made of two parts joined by hinges).
As I reached page 62, I was struck by shock of seeing my amethyst gem! It was unmistakably the same piece. The same tiny chip on the left and the same distinctive Greek engravings on the side of each shoulder: “I C” and “X C” which means “ΙΗΣΟΥΣ” which means “Jesus Christ”. I was overjoyed to see that this extraordinary gem was published by the Musée du Louvre. What are the chances of that?
Byzantium rediscovered an appreciation for glyptic after the iconoclastic crisis, yet exclusively favoring religious subjects showing Christ, the Virgin and the saints. Amethyst and sapphire were the luxury stones reserved for the most prestigious objects and I couldn’t be more honored to be the custodian of this miniature masterpiece.
The research continues at Phoenix Ancient Art and more history will be revealed.
