Altar Crucifix In Ebony And Solid Silver

Important ebony and solid silver altar crucifix dated 1687.
The set features a large cross resting on an elegant architectural base with canted sides, embellished with turned colonnettes, appliques, fleurons and decorative silver motifs. The crucified Christ, side ornaments and remarkable Baroque floral elements are executed with great finesse.

The central part houses a small silver statuette of the Virgin and Child, set beneath an aedicule reminiscent of Baroque religious architecture.

The object bears an important engraved inscription dated 1687:
"Christo cruci confixo per crucem redemptus offert Ioannes Philippo olim pastor B. M. Magdalenae 1687"

which can be translated as:

"To Christ attached to the Cross, the redeemed by the Cross offers this. Jean Philippe, formerly pastor of Sainte Marie-Madeleine, 1687."

Also present is a silver skull and crossbones motif, a symbol of meditation on the Passion and earthly vanity, typical of 17th-century religious iconography.

A devotional object combining spiritual power and decorative refinement, evoking the high-quality monastic or ecclesiastical productions of the late 17th century.