Double-sided Wooden Processional Cross With Gilded Brass Decoration

Double-sided processional cross in wood and gilt brass – France, 15th century. Discover an exceptional piece of medieval religious heritage: a double-sided processional cross made in France in the 15th century, combining the warmth of carved wood with the brilliance of finely gilt brass. This type of object, intended for liturgical rites and processional ceremonies, was central to the spiritual life of medieval communities. Today, it represents a rare and precious testament to the Christian art of this period. Main face: an expressive and refined Crucifixion. The first face presents a particularly well-crafted Crucifixion scene. Christ, depicted according to the type *cristo morto*, shows a slumped body and an inclined head, intensely conveying the dramatic dimension of the sacred moment. He is surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint John, Mary Magdalene, and an angel capturing the moment. The quality of the gilt brass work, with its precisely embossed details, gives the whole a great visual power and a true spiritual depth. Reverse side: God the Father and the symbols of the Evangelists. The opposite side features a noble bust of God the Father, blessing, whose peaceful expression contrasts with the Passion scene. Around him appear the traditional symbols of the four Evangelists—the tetramorph—representing: the angel (Matthew), the lion (Mark), the bull (Luke), and the eagle (John). This iconography, very typical of the late Middle Ages, enriches the object with a powerful theological dimension and enhances its artistic appeal. A rare, decorative piece steeped in history. Thanks to the excellent preservation of its reliefs, the cross remains legible and majestic. Its noble materials and finely detailed decoration make it a particularly attractive piece for collectors, lovers of sacred art, and decorators seeking authentic objects with a strong visual presence. It fits equally well into a medieval collection or within an interior blending antique and contemporary styles, where it immediately becomes a meaningful focal point. Characteristics Period: 15th century Origin: France Materials: carved wood, gilded brass ornaments Type: double-sided processional cross Condition: good overall condition, wear and patina consistent with age Authentic, unique, and high-quality piece