Gold Glass Medallion with Christ as a Miracle Worker in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2010

Gold Glass Medallion with Christ as a Miracle Worker
Roman or Byzantine
Made 300-500, possibly in Rome

Accession # 18.145.8

Among the earliest popular depictions of Christ were those recalling Roman images of magicians, with Christ using a wand to work miracles, as in the image on this medallion and the adjacent bowl base. This medallion was probably inset into a piece of jewelry and may have been worn as a protective amulet.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.


Gold Glass from Rome

Glass vessels with elaborate gold foil patterns on their bases were popular in Rome. The patterns, reflecting all aspects of Roman life, were encased between two layers of glass. Carefully chipped medallions, a number of these bases were found in the catacombs, underground burial chambers, used by all religions in the late Roman and early Byzantine era. The bases may have been placed there in celebration of feasts for the dead or to mark the location of tombs. Many reflect the growing importance of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome, to Christians of the city during the fourth century.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art wall panel.