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70 | A Late Byzantine reliquary pendant, 2nd half of the 14th - early 15th century Circular, two-part medallion pendant for a reliquary, with exceptionally high quality depiction of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus on the front and Christ on the back. The front can be unfolded to the left. A hinge on the left, a locking hinge on the right, a hanger in the shape of a double eyelet on the top. The central depiction of the two figures masterly rendered and almost three-dimensional. The inscription around the con- cave medallion to the left and right reads: Μ(ΗΤ)ΗΡ Θ(ΕΟ)Υ Η ΓΑΡΖΟΥΛΗΟΤΗCΑ = The Mother of God Garzuliotissa (or Suliotissa?). The image area with a hammered border of bead- ed band decoration, followed in turn by lettering around the edge, quoting an epigram by the Late Byzantine poet Manuel Philes (approx. 1270 - 1330/1340). In translation, this reads: “Pure maiden, you live; and should you even remain silent, this does not dismay. For silence befits maidens. In truth, you also breathe and bear the word of God.” The rear part of the medallion is twice as thick as the front. Constructed like a pilgrim’s miniature flask, it was designed to hold anointing oil (or holy water). It is closed at the top with a spike-like screw fastener. The back of the medallion is not concave. Again in half relief, it shows Christ as the Man of Sorrows: his head lowered onto his shoulder, his arms crossed, a gaping wound in his breast. Once again, there is an inscription around the edge: ΖΩΟI ΜΕ X(PICTO)C ΚΑΝ ΕΝΕΚΡΩΘΙ ΞΙΛΟ = Christ gives me life, although he died on the cross. The pendant also bears inscriptions along the side: ΕΛΕΟΝ ΑΓΝΗC ΤΗC ΓΑΡ ΖΟΥΛΗΩΗCCΙC = the mercy of the pure Suliotissa/Garzulio- tissa, and ΔΕΗCIC ΤΗC ΔΟΥΛΗC ΤΟΥ Θ(EO)Υ ΚΑΛΗC Τ[ΗC] ΒΑCΙΛΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΙΝΑC = the plea of God’s handmaiden, Kale Basilakopulina. This refers to the woman who owned (or commissioned) this exquisite piece of jewellery. The sobriquet of the Virgin Mary, Suliotissa or Garzuliotissa, probably stems froma toponym. A church dedicated toOur Ladymight be expected at the location in question. Gold and gilt silver, slightly rubbed in places. Completely intact. Of outstanding artistic quality, an unusual testament to personal piety. Height 4.1 cm, diameter 3.3 cm, thickness 0.9 cm. Weight 16.7 g. Published: Andreas Rhoby, “The Mother of God Garzuliot- issa”, in: H. Belting – F. Stroth (eds.), The History of Early Christian and Byzantine Art in 100 Alternative Objects (in print). P rovenance : From a private collection in South Germany. Acquired during the 1970s to the 1980s in the art trade. 255872 II + € 50.000