Cross, silver, silver gilt, enamel, Spain, possibly Burgos, about 1500

Processional Cross, silver, silver gilt, with translucent enamel plaques (probably later). The limbs are embossed with a pomegranate scroll and end in fleur-de-lys. Each end is set with an enamelled plaque. The front of the cross is decorated with an applied pelican at the top, Mary Magdalene at the bottom and enamelled plaques of the Nativity, the Thief, St Andrew and the Harrowing of Hell. On the back of the cross are applied symbols of the evangelists, an embossed figure of the Almighty in the centre and enamelled plaques depicting the Flight into Egypt, The Virgin of the Annunciation, and the Three Marys at the Sepulchre.

When acquired the object was noted to have lost lateral figures and a plaque on the right on the back.

Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest

Hildburgh Bequest RP 55/4478A

Historical significance: The enamel plaques upon this object may be later additions after the 14th century German engraver Martin Schongauer.

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 mark most closely resembles a Spanish mark (Burgos) of the 15th Century. See Rosenberg no. 5808

Crosses like this were often carried on poles at the head of a procession before and after a service, followed by choirboys with censers. The front side, with the figure of Christ, faced forwards, unless a pope or bishop formed part of the procession, in which case the cross was reversed. In early centuries processional crosses were hand-held, but this practice was replaced by the raising of crosses on tall poles to make them more visible.

M.294-1956