Procession Cross - France Or Netherlands - Around 1500

PROCESSION CROSS
France or Netherlands, circa 1500
Bronze
H. 53; L 43.5 cm
H. without base: 46 cm 

Latin cross with cylindrical arms, animated on both sides by the four-lobed figures of the Tetramorph: the angel for Saint Matthew, the eagle for Saint John, the bull for Saint Luke and the lion for Saint Mark. 


The four-lobed figures represent the four evangelists. It stands on a stepped, leaded plinth. The ends of the crosspiece and upright are terminated by sun-headed apples with sinuous rays.

On one side is Christ, nailed hand and foot, surmounted by a sign bearing the Latin initials "INRI": Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
On the other, the Virgin and Child.

However, there are also examples of isolated sculptures, such as processional crosses, which preside over religious rites. This type of object was widely used from the 4th century onwards. Before the 8th century, crosses were hung from altars, but this arrangement changed and they were placed on a lower point or a point of the altar. Processional crosses are the most important pieces of church furnishings, numbering one per parish. They are shaped like a Latin cross, with a single crosspiece and a longer lower arm. Designed to be carried at the end of a pole or staff, they lead the way in procession.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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