Crosses

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, *Crosses* is a silver artifact from the 5th–6th century, standing at 8 3/8 inches tall. Crafted by an unknown artist during Late Antiquity, these crosses exemplify the exquisite metalworking traditions of the Near East, a period bridging the Byzantine, Sasanian, and early pre-Islamic worlds. Silver, a precious and malleable medium, was highly valued for its luster and durability, often used for religious and decorative objects that conveyed status and devotion. The crosses' placement in the Islamic Art collection highlights t...