Processional Cross
Processional cross, copper-gilt with champlevé enamel on a wooden core, with applied silver and parcel-gilt figure of Christ. The enamelled quatrefoils depict, clockwise from top: St John the Evangelist (with his attribute of an eagle); St John the Apostle (who mourned with Mary at the base of the Cross), St Mark (with his attribute of a winged lion) and Christ's mother, the Virgin Mary. The central quatrefoil depicts a lamb with a halo on an altar table, symbolic of St John the Baptist (whose execution by Herod prefigures Christ's sacrifice on the Cross).
In 1914 this cross was joined to an unrelated base for a crucifix, bronze silvered and gilded, engraved with an inscription dated 1539. The two parts are now separate.
In 1914 this cross was joined to an unrelated base for a crucifix, bronze silvered and gilded, engraved with an inscription dated 1539. The two parts are now separate.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Physical description | Processional cross, copper-gilt with champlevé enamel on a wooden core, with applied silver and parcel-gilt figure of Christ. The enamelled quatrefoils depict, clockwise from top: St John the Evangelist (with his attribute of an eagle); St John the Apostle (who mourned with Mary at the base of the Cross), St Mark (with his attribute of a winged lion) and Christ's mother, the Virgin Mary. The central quatrefoil depicts a lamb with a halo on an altar table, symbolic of St John the Baptist (whose execution by Herod prefigures Christ's sacrifice on the Cross). In 1914 this cross was joined to an unrelated base for a crucifix, bronze silvered and gilded, engraved with an inscription dated 1539. The two parts are now separate. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Nothing is known of the early history of the cross, its patron or maker. There is no clue on the front of the cross and the enamelled plaques which might have provided some of this information on the reverse are completely missing. The Museum purchased the cross for £50 at the same auction at which they also secured the stand for £200. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 477-1899 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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