Canon's Cross Of The Cambrai Cathedral Chapter – Gilded Silver – Pius IX – 1847

Canon’s Cross of the Cambrai Cathedral Chapter – Gold-plated silver – Pius IX – 1847 – Original case

Canon’s Cross of the Cambrai Cathedral Chapter, in gold-plated silver (vermeil), dating from 1847, during the pontificate of Pope Pius IX (1846–1878).

Description

This elegant chapter cross features a particularly refined Neo-Gothic design.
The four rectangular arms are adorned with Gothic arcades in relief and flanked, around the central medallion, by a radiant halo with finely chiseled rays.

On the obverse, a circular medallion depicts the Virgin and Child, beneath the invocation “MATER GRATIAE O.P.N.” (Mother of Grace, pray for us).
The lower rim bears the inscription “CAPITUL CAMERACEN,” referring to the Cathedral Chapter of Cambrai.

On the reverse, the central medallion features a relief portrait of Pope Pius IX, depicted in profile, wearing the papal skullcap and his ecclesiastical vestments.
Surrounding his effigy is the Latin inscription: “PIUS PP. IX INDULSIT”

The additional inscriptions refer to the papal concession granted on September 28, 1847, as well as Cardinal Pierre Giraud (1791–1850), Archbishop of Cambrai.

This cross thus serves as a fascinating testament to the history of the Cambrai Cathedral Chapter and its relations with the Holy See in the mid-19th century.

The piece is distinguished by the delicacy of its reliefs, the elegance of its Neo-Gothic decoration, and its beautiful antique patina.

The cross is presented in its original case, lined in black and trimmed with red silk velvet, bearing the mark:PARENT-BILLAUX Church Ornaments 82, rue Esquermoise – Lille

This case, from a firm specializing in ecclesiastical ornaments, harmoniously complements this piece of religious silverwork.

A beautiful and rare example of 19th-century French ecclesiastical silverwork, of both historical and religious interest, particularly suited for collectors of chapter crosses, pontifical objects, and sacred art.

Period: 1847 – Mid-19th century.
Origin: France, Cambrai Cathedral Chapter.
Material: gold-plated silver (vermeil).
Style: Neo-Gothic.

Condition: in good condition, with an antique patina and slight signs of wear consistent with its age.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request more photos of the items offered for sale.