Cross
1580-1590 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The cross is formed of sections of rock crystal, mounted in silver-gilt. The foot, mounts, cherubs on the arms of the cross and the plaque above Christ's head are all gilded (probably re-gilt); the figure of Christ is parcel-gilt. The mounts are engraved with simple designs of flowers and foliage; the foot of the cross is shaped as a quatrefoil. In the four lobes at the base of the cross, a simple symmetrical floral and leaf pattern alternates with a simple pattern of interlace. Round the edge of the base are simple strapwork motifs; the rim of the foot has a punched dot design which imitates matting interspersed with a simple strapwork motif. The figure of Christ and the plaque at the head of the cross may be later (1615-20); the two small cherubs may also be later additions.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt and rock crystal, raised, engraved, gilded, cast and carved. |
Brief description | Silver-gilt and rock crystal, German (Augsburg), 1580-90, town mark of Augsburg and maker's mark, probably Paul I Kleebühler, punched on foot. |
Physical description | The cross is formed of sections of rock crystal, mounted in silver-gilt. The foot, mounts, cherubs on the arms of the cross and the plaque above Christ's head are all gilded (probably re-gilt); the figure of Christ is parcel-gilt. The mounts are engraved with simple designs of flowers and foliage; the foot of the cross is shaped as a quatrefoil. In the four lobes at the base of the cross, a simple symmetrical floral and leaf pattern alternates with a simple pattern of interlace. Round the edge of the base are simple strapwork motifs; the rim of the foot has a punched dot design which imitates matting interspersed with a simple strapwork motif. The figure of Christ and the plaque at the head of the cross may be later (1615-20); the two small cherubs may also be later additions. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Gallery label | 1. Cross
GERMAN, Augsburg; around 1620
Rock-crystal and silver, parcel gilt
Unmarked
The large size indicates that it stood in a prominent
position on the altar for the service of the mass. The body of the cross is made of a highly prized and rare material, rock crystal.
M.459-1910(1980-1990) |
Object history | Nothing is know of the early history of this object. The cross was purchased from Mr J. Lowe of Wardour St, London, in 1910 for the sum of £150. |
Bibliographic reference | Seling, Helmut. Die Kunst der Augsburger Goldschmiede, 1529-1868: Meister, Marken, Werke. Munich, Beck, 1980. ISBN 3406057292 (set). |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.459-1910 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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