Fish Gem
c. 250–350
Maker Unknown
Medieval Art
Fish Gem, c. 250–350. Early Christian, Syria(?) or Asia Minor, 3rd-4th Century. Rock crystal; overall: 3.5 x 7.5 cm (1 3/8 x 2 15/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1954.592 To avoid punishment, early Christians practiced their faith in secret. Images of fish were part of a code developed to refer to Jesus Christ. To those in the know, the Greek word for fish (ICHTHYS), was an acronym for the phrase Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter which translates as Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Glyptic
- Formatted Medium
- rock crystal
- Dimensions
- Overall: 3.5 x 7.5 cm (1 3/8 x 2 15/16 in.)
- Departments
- Medieval Art
- Accession Number
- 1954.592
- Credit Line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
- Rights Statement
- CC0
- Museum Location
- 104 Late Antiquity
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
