Early 15th Century - Sulmona - Processional Cross In Embossed, Chiselled And Gilded Copper

Exceptional processional cross in solid fir covered in embossed, chiseled and gilded copper foil. Sulmona, first quarter of the 15th century. On the front, the figure of Christ Crucified is central, surrounded by the grieving Virgin, St. John the Baptist and two angels above and below (respectively with a thurible and a book). On the back, Christ Pantocrator standing on a pulpit is surrounded by the animals symbolizing the 4 Evangelists. The lateral edge of the Cross, on the perimeter, is covered with a copper sheet embossed with plant motifs. The knot deserves an honorable mention, unique in its kind for the rarity of the motifs and the quality of execution: it is in fact bipartite: ribbed in the lower part and with honeycomb-plant motifs (of exceptional quality) in the upper part. The cross is also complete with the cane on which the processional staff was grafted. The conditions are excellent: the cross is complete and without restorations, with the gilding in very good condition despite its age. The original spheres have been replaced by gilded bronze castings depicting cherubs and probably some nails have been restored. Overall, an object more than museum-worthy in terms of quality and condition. Size cm 33.5 x 69 H (excluding the base)