Amuletic Armband with Holy Rider, Saints, and Magical Symbols

Description Exhibitions Provenance Inscription Credit

Description Originally made up of seven inscribed medallions, this armband demonstrates the intermixing of Christian, Jewish, and pagan imagery on an object of magical, medicinal purpose. Judging by the inscriptions, most armbands (made in Byzantine Syria and Egypt) were used to treat abdominal disorders.

Exhibitions

Transitions to Christianity. Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA), New York. 2011-2012.

Provenance Sale, Frank Sternberg, Zurich, November 20, 1990; Walters Art Museum, 1990, by purchase.

Inscriptions [Transcription] + Ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν βοηθία τοῦ [Ὑψίστου]; [Translation] + He who dwells in the shelter of [the Most High] (cf. Psalm 91:1)

Credit Museum purchase, 1990

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Creator

Byzantine (Artist)

Period

6th-7th century (Late Antique)

Medium

bronze
(Metal)

Accession Number

54.2657

Measurements

fragment A: 11/16 x 3 3/16 x 1/16 in. (1.8 x 8 x 0.1 cm); fragment B: 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 1/16 in. (1.7 x 5.7 x 0.1 cm); fragment C: 11/16 x 2 1/4 x 1/16 in. (1.8 x 5.7 x 0.1 cm)

Location Within Museum

Centre Street: Third Floor: Early Byzantine Art