Gothic Processional Cross, Silver-plated Copper And Bronze On A Wooden Core, Italy, Lombardy, 15th Century

Important Gothic processional cross
Northern Italy, Lombardy, 15th century

Wooden core entirely covered with sheets of repoussé copper, engraved and finely punched, formerly silver-plated, though the silver plating is now heavily worn.

The cross, with cut-out contours and multi-lobed ends, is adorned with relief figures depicting saints and sacred figures. Cast in bronze, these figures retain traces of silver plating and gilding.

In the center of the obverse stands the crucified Christ, with a finely modeled body, his head bowed, and his loins girded with a perizonium featuring draped folds. The ends are occupied by several figures of the Assumption, notably the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist.

The reverse also features busts in relief, arranged at the ends as well as in a central medallion. The surface is embellished with a punched decoration featuring floral and geometric motifs.

This work is a fine example of Italian Gothic religious metalwork, likely produced in a Lombard workshop in the 15th century.

The cross is mounted on a spherical knot and a shaft resting on a quadrangular base, the age of which remains to be determined.

Condition: Signs of age and oxidation; silver plating largely worn away; traces of gilding preserved on the relief figures.