The Magic ‘Crucifixion’ Gem in the British Museum
AbstractI noted another article about the gem here. In that post I raised some queries about its provenance and authentication. Dr. Kotansky addresses these questions, citing my blog post. See especially p. 632 and n. 4 of his article.
The obverse, showing the earliest extant image of the Crucifixion, has an inscription suggesting a non-canonical source, while the reverse inscription reveals later reuse of the gem by a non-Christian.
Another interesting point about this object is that the the back side seems to have been inscribed (later?) by a different hand and a different engraver.
HT AJR.
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