Venice, 1580–1650, Solid Silver, Four Medallions Depicting Processional Crosses,

Four silver wall medallions depicting Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint John the Evangelist
Italy, circa 1580–1650

Set of four solid cast silver medallions, finely chiseled, each measuring approximately 7 × 5.5 cm. The figures are depicted in half-length, in high relief, within generally oval outlines, brought to life by the protruding heads, hands, and attributes. The chiseling highlights the hair, beards, and folds of the garments, whose finely textured surfaces contrast with the smooth areas of the faces and hands.

The hollow reverse sides bear traces of artisanal craftsmanship: irregular surfaces, casting marks, and old repairs intended to correct casting defects. These period repairs document the adjustments necessary for the execution of such reliefs.

Saint Matthew and Saint Mark are identifiable by their respective attributes. Saint Matthew, holding his Gospel, is accompanied by a human figure, traditionally depicted as an angel. Saint Mark also carries an open book, beneath which appears the lion, his evangelical symbol.

Saint Mary Magdalene is recognizable by her long, loose hair and the perfume jar she holds before her. Saint John the Evangelist is depicted in his traditional form as a beardless young apostle. With one hand pressed to his cheek in a gesture of grief, he turns his head to his right, toward the dying Christ. This pose corresponds to that of John at Calvary, who is usually placed to the right of the cross as seen by the viewer, while the Virgin Mary stands opposite him on the left.

These four appliqués most likely came from the ends of a processional cross, of which they formed part of the figurative decoration. The perforated tabs arranged around their periphery allowed them to be secured with nails, rivets, or screws. These fasteners could have been concealed beneath the silver or gilded brass cladding that covered the wooden core of the cross.

A particularly illuminating comparison is provided by the processional cross preserved in the church of Chatziràdos, on the island of Tinos, a work of Venetian art dating from the late 16th or early 17th century. Surrounding the Crucified Christ are God the Father at the top, the Virgin Mary on the left, Saint John on the right, and Mary Magdalene at the bottom; the four evangelists, accompanied by their attributes, occupy the corners of the reverse side. This composition explains the inclusion, in this set, of two evangelists alongside Saint John in mourning and Mary Magdalene.

The four medallions are displayed on individual black-lacquered steel pedestals, custom-made to highlight their relief in a display case.

Comparative reference: Giovanni Boraccesi, “Una sinfonia di argenti nell’isola di Tinos: le chiese di Chatziràdos, Koumàros, Kròkos e Steni,” OADI Rivista, 2015, figs. 1a–1b, DOI: 10.7431/RIV12062015. Study and illustrations⁠.