BYZANTINE. 9th-11th centuries. Weight of 2 Unciae (Bronze, 29x29 mm, 54.29 g), a square commercial weight with plain edges. H / ANAC-TA/CIC The Anastasis: Christ advancing right, leading Adam from hell, Eve standing behind; to right, Solomon and David (?) standing left; all within circular frame; all details engraved in outline and partially inlaid in silver.
Rev. Γ° B; above, cross; all within decorated circular frame; all engraved. CPAI -. MAH -. Pondera -. A beautiful and important weight with very rare religious scenery. Part of inlays missing
, otherwise, very fine.
From a European collection, acquired before 2021.
This highly interesting weight depicts the Anastasis (Greek for Resurrection), more specifically the Harrowing of Hell, i.e. the period between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection on Easter when Christ triumphantly descended into Hell to free the righteous born before the coming of the Savior, starting with Adam and Eve. Though the event is alluded to in different parts of the New Testament, the most complete version of the story can be found in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. It was a beloved theme in Orthodox art, appearing in mosaics, frescoes, icons and even seals, with the earliest depictions dating to the 8th century. Such complex iconography is very rare for weights, however, especially for those of the Middle Byzantine period, and despite its somewhat crude style, this weight is certainly one of the finest known of its kind.
