Pilgrim Token with Saint Symeon Stylite the Younger

Description This pilgrim's token shows Saint Symeon of the Wondrous Mountain (d. 592) on top of the column that he used as a hermitage. Below stand his disciple Conon and his mother Martha. Above, two angels crown him for his ascetic exploits. The other side of the medallion carries a cross. Such medallions were given to pilgrims to the shrine of Saint Symeon, located close to Antioch on the Orontes, modern-day Antakya in Turkey.

Exhibitions

• Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. 1947.
• Sacred Souvenirs: Byzantine Pilgrimage Art. Dumbarton Oaks, Washington. 1982.

Provenance Emmanuel (Manolis) Segredakis, Paris and New York [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1945, by purchase.

Inscriptions [Translation] Blessing of Saint Simeon the Miracle-Worker. Amen.

Credit Museum purchase, 1945