Altar Cross Foot
1541 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A crucifix would have been inserted into this base. As well as ornament derived from classical art and architecture there are three oval reliefs depicting the Virgin and Child, St. John the Baptist and Christ Entombed, the only features suggesting its religious function. The shape and decoration of this base copy marble candelabra of the Roman period, which were being excavated in Rome at the time this was made. Typical classical features are the lion's feet, sphinxes, palmette leaves and swags.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 5 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Gilt bronze, niello |
| Brief description | base; Church plate, Continental base; Church plate, Continental Church plate, Continental Church plate, Continental Church plate, Continental |
| Physical description | Copper-gilt foot of altar cross, triangular in shape set with medallions and translucent enamels (3rd medallion missing), with Renaissance decoration and inscriptions. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | Silver Gallery:
Inserted into this candelabra base would have been a crucifix. Among the ornaments following Roman antiquity are three oval cameo-like reliefs with figures of the Virgin and Child, St. John the Baptist and Christ Entombed, which are the only features suggesting its religious function. Both shape and decoration copy marble candelabra of the Roman period being excavated in Rome at the time with their characteristic lion's feet, sphinxes, palmette leaves and swags.(26/11/2002) |
| Object history | Purchase - (£126.10) Castellani Collection |
| Summary | A crucifix would have been inserted into this base. As well as ornament derived from classical art and architecture there are three oval reliefs depicting the Virgin and Child, St. John the Baptist and Christ Entombed, the only features suggesting its religious function. The shape and decoration of this base copy marble candelabra of the Roman period, which were being excavated in Rome at the time this was made. Typical classical features are the lion's feet, sphinxes, palmette leaves and swags. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 713-1884 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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