Reliquary cross; Italy, 17th century. Ebony, chiseled bronze mounts, gouache on vellum and carved bone.

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OLD MASTERS & SCULPTURE - Day 2

By Setdart Auction House

Jun 1, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-06-01 09:45:00 2021-06-01 09:45:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : OLD MASTERS & SCULPTURE - Day 2 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/setdart-auction-house/old-masters-sculpture---day-2-6999
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• Lot Description
  Reliquary cross; Italy, 17th century. Ebony, chiseled bronze mounts, gouache on vellum and carved bone. Measures: 93 x 49 x 12.5 cm. The cross was probably conceived as an altar cross, which can be deduced from its large dimensions. It has a main structure made of ebony that is defined by a Latin cross shape, adorned with bronze elements combined with carved bone plaques. The cross has small spaces where the relics are housed. These follow a rhythmic ornamental pattern, in which different shapes alternate, round, square and a poly-lobed one in the center. The upper ends of the cross are topped with a bone decoration in the form of a scroll, except for the lower area or the foot. In this place stands out the round image of a woman embracing the cross. Thus recalling the representations of Calvary, where the figure of the Virgin Mary or sometimes that of Mary Magdalene, are represented in the same way. The cross is based on a classical design in the conception of its forms, due to the geometric and symmetrical pattern it follows. In this area, different cartouches showing scenes of the Passion of Christ can be appreciated. In the lower area there is the trial in which he was condemned, in the center the mockery of the soldiers, who dress him as a king, and finally in the left area, the path carrying the cross. Above these three scenes, the most relevant one can be appreciated, in which Christ is crucified together with Dimas and Gestas, the good thief and the bad thief. Scene that is narrated in the Gospel of Luke (Lk. 23, 32-33). "They also brought two other malefactors to be put to death with him. When they came to the place called Calvary, there they crucified him and the malefactors, one on the right and the other on the left." The realization of this type of religious objects, designed to house the relics of the saints, was common from the Gothic period, highlighting both the crosses, as the so-called "testas", which, in the contemporary documentation to its realization, were very popular. They were used to contain relics. In spite of the fact that many of them adopted very diverse forms, all of them had the same devotional purpose, which sometimes went beyond fanaticism. It should be remembered, however, that at that time, practically any element that had been in contact with the saint or his mortal remains (cloths, burial soil, etc.) was considered a sacred relic. This triggered a whole market for such objects. The best examples were made of precious metals, but specimens such as the present one were also highly valued, both for the container and, above all, for the content.
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