A Gold Treasure of the Late Roman Period Volume 12, PT. 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 Excerpt: ...The halo is chiselled, as are also details of the dress of both figures, the wicker-work of the chair and basket, and the feathers of the angel's wings. The reverse (Plate XVI) represents the miracle at the marriage in Cana. At the left stands Christ, wearing tunic and mantle. The left foot is advanced. The left hand holds what appears to be a roll; with the right hand our Lord extends the crossheaded staff. The outline of the halo is chiselled; the halo itself is a raised relief across which six short lines are chiselled to represent the three arms of the cross. In the centre of the scene stands a male figure, facing, dressed in a long tunic. He holds a cup in his right hand, and raises the left hand in a gesture which suggests wonder at the performance of the miracle; he is perhaps the 'ruler of the feast, ' ap)(iTpiKivo (John, 9). At the right is a figure dressed in a short tunic and carrying on his left shoulder a vessel, probably an amphora, from which he pours water into one of six round jars. This scene of the miracle, as Zahn 1 points out, was evidently in the mind of Bishop Maximus of Turin (first half of the fifth century) when he wrote ( . 232): 'The attendant, who brought water and carried away wine, was struck dumb with astonishment, and rejoiced exceedingly that he had borne upon his own shoulders the liquid through which the glory of God was revealed.'3 In John, 6 kidivau Spiai cf, 'six water-pots of stone, ' are mentioned. Details of the dress and hair of the three figures are indicated by chiselling. The legend is- YM UUN+, that is, 1 Op. cit., p. 100. a Stupuit ergo minister attonitus qui aqua...