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Triptych: Folding Reliquary Icon
Kilikian Armenia
1293
Wood, silver, gilt
63.5 x 69.5 cm (unfolded)
This folding reliquary icon from one of the Kililian monasteries
is a marvellous work by a medieval Armenian craftsman (the
Kilikian Armenian Kingdom existed from the 12th century to
the 14th, on the north-eastern shores of the Mediterranean). It
was commissioned by Bishop Constantine to commemorate the
defenders of the national sacred site, the fortress of Romkla,
ruined by the Egyptian Mamelukes in 1292. The themes and
personalities depicted are taken both from the Old and New
Testament and represent contemporary events and heroes
from Armenian history.
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