A Renaissance enamelled gold crucifix pendant.
Spanish, late 16th century.
Measures 9.1 x 4.4cm.
The limp body of Christ hangs from the crucifix, the bones of Adam at his feet. Above his head is the plaque mocking the saviour, hung by Pilate with the initials ‘INRI’, an abbreviation of the Latin ‘Iēsus Nazarēnus, Rēx Iūdaeōrum’, which translates into English as “'Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews’. Carved flowers, probably lilies protrude from the joints of the arms of the cross. Turned gold pendant drops suspend from the arms and base of the cross.