Cross Reliquary
16th century (made)
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This cross was once thought to contain wood from the True Cross, the cross upon which Christ was crucified. However, the wood appears to be much more modern. The silver-gilt mounts are decorated with the Instruments of the Passion. On this cross, Christ’s five wounds (from the nails in his hands and feet and the spear in his side) are shown with the nails themselves, the pillar against which he was scourged and the 30 pieces of silver for which Judas betrayed Christ. The sides of the cross are inscribed with Latin phrases relating to particular church services. The cross has an original case which is richly embroidered with gold stars and a figure of an angel on each door.
The legend of the True Cross begins in the year 326 when it was allegedly discovered by the mother of Constantine I, the Empress Helena in Jerusalem. Upon Helena's return, the True Cross was kept in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem until the year 614 when it was captured by Chrosroes II of Persia. Thirteen years later the Roman Emperor Heraclius defeated Chrosroes and retook the relic, keeping it first in Constantinople and later, in its original Jerusalem. The True Cross is believed to have been hidden by the Christians in 1009 AD and remained hidden for ninety years only to be produced in 1099 during the First Crusade.
It remained in Christian hands until the Battle of Hattin in 1187, when the Moslem leader Saladin captured the relic. Despite the valiant efforts of Richard I during the Third Crusade, the True Cross remained in Muslim hands. The beam itself disappeared, but fragments of the cross that came off were collected and brought back to Europe after the Crusades where they were highly valued as relics.
The legend of the True Cross begins in the year 326 when it was allegedly discovered by the mother of Constantine I, the Empress Helena in Jerusalem. Upon Helena's return, the True Cross was kept in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem until the year 614 when it was captured by Chrosroes II of Persia. Thirteen years later the Roman Emperor Heraclius defeated Chrosroes and retook the relic, keeping it first in Constantinople and later, in its original Jerusalem. The True Cross is believed to have been hidden by the Christians in 1009 AD and remained hidden for ninety years only to be produced in 1099 during the First Crusade.
It remained in Christian hands until the Battle of Hattin in 1187, when the Moslem leader Saladin captured the relic. Despite the valiant efforts of Richard I during the Third Crusade, the True Cross remained in Muslim hands. The beam itself disappeared, but fragments of the cross that came off were collected and brought back to Europe after the Crusades where they were highly valued as relics.
Object details
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| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Wood mounted in silver gilt in wooden case lined with embroidered velvet |
| Brief description | Wooden relics mounted as a cross in a wooden case lined with embroidered velvet. Spanish, late sixteenth century. |
| Physical description | Double cross, wood, mounted in silver-gilt engraved with the emblems of the Passion and various Latin inscriptions. The mounts which enclose the upper arm of the cross are not in their original position and have been remounted back to front. The case is original and lined with red velvet embroidered with the figure of an angel on each door. |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest |
| Object history | The wood in this cross consists of three pieces of a hard smooth wood set in a frame of silver-gilt. It was thought to be relic of the True Cross when acquired but the wood appears to be contemporary with the silver mounts. Previously in the Von Stumm collection. |
| Historical context | Saints and Symbols Like most religions, Christianity has a rich language of images and symbols. This iconography would have been clearly understood in the past but it may be less familiar to modern eyes. Though often decorative, the symbols used on religious metalwork also refer to the function and significance of the objects. The contemplation of religious motifs can draw believers into a deeper understanding of their faith. Complex theological themes can be represented in a visual form. A chalice, for example, might be adorned with the tools used in the Crucifixion (the 'Instruments of the Passion') to direct the viewer's mind towards Christ's sacrifice and his death on the cross. The use of images has caused controversy throughout Christian history. While supporters held that imagery glorified God and helped believers understand their faith better, critics attacked its use as superstition and idolatry. Saints Christians venerate saints as men and women who, through the holiness of their lives, became especially close to God. The saints include martyrs who suffered and died for their faith as well as great teachers and preachers. Their lives provide an example and inspiration for the faithful. Roman Catholics also believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God. In Christian iconography, saints are usually depicted with a distinctive object or 'attribute' associated with their martyrdom or works. For example, St Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, holds a flaying knife, and St George is shown with a dragon. |
| Summary | This cross was once thought to contain wood from the True Cross, the cross upon which Christ was crucified. However, the wood appears to be much more modern. The silver-gilt mounts are decorated with the Instruments of the Passion. On this cross, Christ’s five wounds (from the nails in his hands and feet and the spear in his side) are shown with the nails themselves, the pillar against which he was scourged and the 30 pieces of silver for which Judas betrayed Christ. The sides of the cross are inscribed with Latin phrases relating to particular church services. The cross has an original case which is richly embroidered with gold stars and a figure of an angel on each door. The legend of the True Cross begins in the year 326 when it was allegedly discovered by the mother of Constantine I, the Empress Helena in Jerusalem. Upon Helena's return, the True Cross was kept in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem until the year 614 when it was captured by Chrosroes II of Persia. Thirteen years later the Roman Emperor Heraclius defeated Chrosroes and retook the relic, keeping it first in Constantinople and later, in its original Jerusalem. The True Cross is believed to have been hidden by the Christians in 1009 AD and remained hidden for ninety years only to be produced in 1099 during the First Crusade. It remained in Christian hands until the Battle of Hattin in 1187, when the Moslem leader Saladin captured the relic. Despite the valiant efforts of Richard I during the Third Crusade, the True Cross remained in Muslim hands. The beam itself disappeared, but fragments of the cross that came off were collected and brought back to Europe after the Crusades where they were highly valued as relics. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.373-1956 |
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| Record created | August 27, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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