Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-1
Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-2
Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-3
Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-1Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-2Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century - image-3

Lot 2131 Dα

Italy first half 15th century - An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century

Auction 1160 - overview Cologne
14.11.2020, 11:00 - Old Masters
Estimate: 150.000 € - 180.000 €
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Italy first half 15th century

An Italian processional cross, first half 15th century

Gold cross on a wooden corpus, with engraved, chased and enamelled decor. A valuable processional cross applied with a separately cast Corpus Christi and the symbols of the Evangelists to the quatrefoil terminals. The beams are decorated with transluscent green enamel picked out with golden leaves. The centre of the cross depicts Saint Laurence whilst the terminals show half-length depictions of the apostles Peter and Matthew and Saints Cosmas and Damian, the patrons of doctors and pharmacists. This iconography suggests that the cross may have been made for a fraternity of doctors at a church dedicated to Saint Laurence, traditionally assumed to be San Lorenzo in Amalfi. Alongside the fine craftsmanship of the cross, its value is also evident in its material: At a total of 370 g, the 18-21 k gold used for the cross makes up almost half its weight.
Very minor wear and losses to the enamel appliques. Mounted on a modern stand. Height 23 cm, width 19.5 cm.

Provenance

Auctioned by Sotheby`s "European Works of Art and Sculpture", London 08.-09.12.1988, lot 21. - German private collection.