Byzantine Empire – Silver Religious Appliqué Depicting St. Stephen the Martyr

Description

Byzantine Empire. AR (Silver) religious appliqué. Made ca. 9th - 14th centuries AD. VF; an impressive large silver piece with a clear depiction of St. Stephen. Sometimes referred to as the "protomartyr," Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian faith. Accused of blasphemy at a trial before local courts in Judaea, Stephen was stoned to death around 36/37 AD, just several years after the crucifixion of Christ. St. Paul was a witness, perhaps even a participant, in Stephen's stoning, a major moment of transformation for him before he converted to Christianity.

Design: Nimbate and robed figure of St. Stephen the Martyr facing, holding censer / Uncertain figure, perhaps an angel

Dimensions: 43 mm / 6.78 gm

Condition: VF; an interesting piece of medieval Christian art from the Byzantine world.