Processional Cross, Repoussé And Chased Copper, Formerly Silvered, Spain Or Italy, 15th Century

Extremely rare processional cross, Italy or Spain, Gothic period (15th century). Repoussé and chased copper, formerly silvered, fixed with nails to a wooden core. Presented today on a later wooden base. Important Gothic processional cross with trefoil ends (fleurs-de-lis). The surface is richly decorated with vegetal motifs, scrolls, and punched designs, executed in repoussé and chase, characteristic of late medieval liturgical metalwork. On the obverse is a Christ on the Cross (Corpus Christi), 17.5 cm high, in relief, placed at the center of the cross, surmounted by a cartouche bearing the inscription "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum). The ends of the arms are adorned with figurative medallions representing saints, partially highlighted with gilding. The reverse features a central image of the Virgin and Child enthroned, surrounded by small reliefs in the medallions on the arms of the cross. This iconography, combining the Crucifixion on the obverse and the Virgin and Child on the reverse, is typical of late medieval processional crosses in the Mediterranean region. The internal structure consists of a wooden core covered with decorated copper plates, fastened with small nails—a technique frequently used for large liturgical objects in the 15th century. Only a few areas of the original silver plating remain. The current wooden base is a later addition intended for display; originally, the cross was mounted on a pole and used in liturgical processions. In its current condition.