Copper-gilt, silver and enamel, Italy, 14th century.

Copper- gilt and set with silver plaques, formerly enamelled. The enamel on the copper is restored. The silver plaques in the front show St John the Baptist, St Bartholomew, Mary Magdelene and an unidentified Bishop. Those on the back show Christ in the act of Benediction, St Peter, St Paul, St John, St Catherine and the Assumption of the Virgin.

Belonged to a Mr. Forrest before its passing to the collection of the Geological Museum from whence it was transferred to the V&A in 1901.

Altar and Processional Crosses
The cross is the distinctive emblem of Christianity and the symbol of Christ's crucifixion. Models of the cross begin to appear from about 350 AD, probably for use in private prayer. Only from about 1000 was a cross regularly placed on the altar during Mass; a more ancient custom was to suspend a cross above the altar or to place one beside it. Crosses were also carried in procession before a service. In early centuries these were hand-held, later replaced by more visible crosses raised on staffs. Both altar and processional crosses were generally made of precious or gilt metal, or ivory, and decorated with gems. From about 800 they were adorned with the image of the crucified Christ and became known as crucifixes. By about 1100 the iconography of European crosses had become established, usually including the symbols of the four Evangelists, often with the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist flanking the figure of Christ crucified.

The cross is the central emblem of Christianity and the symbol of Christ’s Crucifixion. It first appeared about 350, possibly for use in private prayer. Until about 1000 the custom was to suspend a cross above the altar, or to place it alongside, but later the cross was generally put directly on the altar. Crosses were also carried in procession before a service, and on ceremonial occasions such as funerals.

Both altar and processional crosses were generally made of precious or gilded metal, or ivory, and decorated with gems and enamels. The small size of this cross suggests it was intended for an altar. The saints depicted on the front include St John the Baptist (top), St Bartholomew with the flaying knife and St Mary Magdalene with her jar of ointment. On the back are Christ in the act of blessing and the Assumption of
the Virgin, with more saints.

4845-1901