Lot 126 | A large postclassical agate intaglio. Tau cross with inscription.

Bertolami Fine Art - Piazza Lovatelli 1, 00186 Roma

A large postclassical agate intaglio. Tau cross with inscription.

A large postclassical agate intaglio. Tau cross with inscription. Tau cross, with INRI inscription at the top, and S-T at the sides. The tau cross was adopted as a symbol by the Hospitaller Friars of Saint Anthony the Hermit, an order founded in 1095 in Saint Antoine of Vienne, France, and dedicated to the care of lepers and other sick people. In the following century, at the instigation of Saint Francis himself, it was adopted by the Franciscans and the Templars. Wear marks and old deposit. 18th century or later 20 x 4 mm