Spanish
Cross, late 16th century - mid 17th century
Crystal and metal with ribbon, 13.7 x 9 x 1.1 cm (5 3/8 x 3 9/16 x 7/16 in.)
This elegant cross is made of beveled crystal and gold-colored metal. At both ends of the vertical bar and the crossbar there are carved bands of metal with a tiny cherub at each tip. A carved metal medallion is placed at the juncture of the crystal bars. At the very top is a small ring through which a long gold ribbon is threaded. The ribbon is knotted at the ends.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner was a devout Anglo-Catholic who delighted in the ceremonial objects of her faith. She collected religious textiles, Communion vessels, and a wide variety of crosses for display in her museum. A touchstone of her spiritual beliefs, this elegantly beveled crystal cross was designed as if to contain a holy relic. Gardner collected many reliquaries and relics, including a shard of what she believed was a piece of the cross upon which Christ was crucified.