Italian, Venice
Cross, 17th century
Carved wood inlaid with mother of pearl and bone , 40.2 x 15.9 cm (15 13/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Vatichino
Commentary
This 17th-century Venetian cross, featuring mother-of-pearl, bone edging, and various wood inlays, was probably purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner in Venice at the end of the 19th century. While crucifixes and crosses were not one of Gardner’s primary collecting concerns, religious and ceremonial objects of all cultures interested her greatly. The base of this cross the coat of arms of the Franciscans encircled by the sun.