Italian, Lombardy
Processional Cross, early 15th century
Gilded copper, iron, and rock crystal on a wood core, 32.8 x 26.2 cm (12 15/16 x 10 5/16 in.)
This processional Italian cross depicts a gaunt Christ hanging on the front of a gilded, ornate cross. Surrounding Christ and on the reverse of the cross are gilded copper, iron, and rock crystal details. Christ hangs on the cross with his arms outstretched, wears a crown of thorns and a halo. His waist is covered with a loincloth, and his hands and feet are visibly pierced and nailed to the cross. On each side of Christ and at his feet are three holy figures dressed in robes and bowing their heads. Above his head at the top of the cross is a bird with a serpent. On the back of the cross in the center is a holy figure depicted as God holding an orb in one hand and holding his other hand outstretched with his palm to the viewer. On the four points of the cross are the figures of an eagle, a lion, a holy male figure, and an ox. The cross is mounted on a cube stand made of light wood.
Long Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.