Repoussé Iron Cross – Dove, Annunciation – Cross Of The Holy Spirit – Early Period

End of the 17th century France This embossed iron cross is a deeply symbolic object, carrying a history at the crossroads of art, faith and ritual. Unlike the crosses of the Order of the Holy Spirit, often decorated with fleurs-de-lys, this one stands out for its sobriety and simplicity, placing the central dove at the heart of its symbolism. The Dove: Between Annunciation and Royal Power At the center of this cross, a descending dove immediately catches the eye. A universal symbol of the Holy Spirit, it first evokes the biblical scene of the Annunciation, when the archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will carry Christ, under the shadow and light of the Holy Spirit represented by a dove. But this dove also refers to a more precise iconography: that of the painting by Guillaume Richardière, after Antoine Caron, entitled Henry III presiding over the first ceremony of the Order of the Holy Spirit. In this painting, the dove descends towards King Henry III, symbolizing the divine legitimacy of his power and the birth of a knightly order under the aegis of the Holy Spirit. This cross could thus be a more humble variation, intended for private use or a small chapel, while carrying within it the echoes of these royal ceremonies where politics and spirituality came together under the symbol of the dove. • Material: Repousse iron, a demanding technique where the metal is hammered upside down to bring out the reliefs. • Shape: A radiant cross with six branches ending in spheres, symbolizing light and balance. • Details: The dove, finely stylized, is placed in the center, its wings outstretched as if to bless the whole. • Traces of gilding: Some vestiges of gilding are still visible, testifying to its past prestige and the initial decorative intention. Use and Function This cross was not a simple decoration. It was probably used during private ceremonies, in a family chapel or on an altar dedicated to the worship of the Holy Spirit. Its refined form and strong symbolism suggest a more spiritual than protocol dimension. It also embodies a link between the royal ritual – where the Holy Spirit sanctifies earthly power – and more intimate devotion, where the dove becomes the messenger of a humble and sincere faith. Condition and Conservation The cross has an old natural patina, the result of the passage of time and the conditions of conservation. Some signs of wear are visible, but they do not alter in any way the readability of the sculpted details or the imposing presence of the central dove. Dimensions: 12 x 12 cm Delivery: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.