Cross
1550–1600
Medium
Boxwood
Dimensions
Overall: 16 7/8 x 4 x 3 1/16 in. (42.9 x 10.2 x 7.7 cm) base only: 8 9/16 x 3 7/16 x 3 1/16 in. (21.7 x 8.8 x 7.7 cm) cross only with shaft: 12 13/16 x 4 x 1 in. (32.5 x 10.2 x 2.6 cm) cross without shaft: 8 1/8 x 4 x 1 in. (20.6 x 10.2 x 2.6 cm)
Classification
Sculpture-Wood
Culture
Byzantine
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Giorgi Family Foundation Gift, 2019
Accession Number
2019.559a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite wooden cross, crafted by the Byzantine artist Giorgios Lask (also known as George Laskaris between 1550 and1600, exemplifies the religious artistry of the post-Byzantine Orthodox world. Carved from boxwood—a dense, fine-grained wood for its ability to hold intricate details—this sculpture measures 16⅞ x 4 x 3⅛ inches overall, with separate base and detachable shaft, suggesting a modular design for portability or liturgical use. In the context of Byzantine culture, such crosses held profound spiritual significance, often serving as focal points in processions, altars, or persona...