Aug 10, 2011
Nov 3, 2005
Aug 10, 2011

Cross

Cross

c. 1280–1300

Rock crystal, painted gold mounts

Overall: 70.2 x 52.2 x 6.6 cm (27 5/8 x 20 9/16 x 2 5/8 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1927.169

Description

This cross consists of rock crystal pieces drilled through their centers and fastened together with a golden rod. Where they join, the pieces of crystal are bound with decorative bands of painted gold. Venice was one of the most important centers of rock crystal cutting at the end of the 1200s. The cross was undoubtedly intended for prominent display on an altar and may have also been used in liturgical processions. The cross was at one time in the Royal Treasury of Saxony and purportedly first belonged to Rudolph I of Habsburg (reigned 1273–91).

See also
Collection: 
MED - Gothic
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Stone

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