Reliquary; cross pendant

ID:

94.240

Production date:

Late Medieval; 15th century

Location:

In Store

This little enamelled gold cross, set with garnets, shows the crucifixion on one side, and the Virgin and Child on the other. Removal of a pin at the top allows the cross to open, revealing a cavity inside that contains a fragment of wood set in wax. The owner of this pendant would almost certainly have believed that the piece of wood was from the True Cross, the cross on which Christ was crucified. As well as visiting the shrines of saints, wealthy people bought holy relics. Pieces of the True Cross were among the most sought-after and prized of all.  < ...Read more

This little enamelled gold cross, set with garnets, shows the crucifixion on one side, and the Virgin and Child on the other. Removal of a pin at the top allows the cross to open, revealing a cavity inside that contains a fragment of wood set in wax. The owner of this pendant would almost certainly have believed that the piece of wood was from the True Cross, the cross on which Christ was crucified. As well as visiting the shrines of saints, wealthy people bought holy relics. Pieces of the True Cross were among the most sought-after and prized of all.

Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund. < Hide

Measurements

H 50 mm; W 27 mm; D 4 mm (overall)

Materials

gold; enamel; stone

Last Updated

2024-03-21