1986.008.0005
Crucifix
Physical Object
1986.008.0005
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1550 – 1600
This beautiful crucifix is made of 18 carat gold and set with seven high-quality emeralds from Columbia’s famous Muzo mine: four large rectangular-cut emeralds centered by a large square-cut emerald above a large drop-form cabochon emerald over a further large hexagonal-cut emerald. The conforming molded cross is decorated with elaborately chased scrolling fleur-de-lis cartouche terminals and surmounted by a beaded molded-circular suspension loop. The verso is engraved with the image of Saint Anthony (the patron saint of lost things) carrying the Christ child in one arm, who holds an orb. St. Anthony is traditionally depicted holding a lily in his other hand, but in this case, it appears to be a palm frond. A further reserve is engraved with the Madonna and Christ child interspersed by various stylized tropical flowering and fruit-bearing trees and vines.
Note: The Latin Cross was the supreme herald of the Counter Reformation. De rigueur for those of high station in the dominions of Catholic Spain, elaborate crosses and skeletonal cruciforms were sported conspicuously as pendants, rosaries, and gauds. The extraordinary workmanship devoted to these Christian symbols was clearly of an effort and intent to impress, with dual regard to the accumulation of worldly riches and a preening subscription to the Faith. This superb, jeweled cross is a very fine, highly rare and classic example of the apogee of a distinctly Mid-Renaissance Christian form; further, the inclusion of seven large Muzo emeralds places it amongst the most magnificent of the few recorded extant pectoral crosses of the period.
The cross was recovered with emerald ring (1986.008.0006) inside pewter reliquary box (1986.008.0007).
Note: The Latin Cross was the supreme herald of the Counter Reformation. De rigueur for those of high station in the dominions of Catholic Spain, elaborate crosses and skeletonal cruciforms were sported conspicuously as pendants, rosaries, and gauds. The extraordinary workmanship devoted to these Christian symbols was clearly of an effort and intent to impress, with dual regard to the accumulation of worldly riches and a preening subscription to the Faith. This superb, jeweled cross is a very fine, highly rare and classic example of the apogee of a distinctly Mid-Renaissance Christian form; further, the inclusion of seven large Muzo emeralds places it amongst the most magnificent of the few recorded extant pectoral crosses of the period.
The cross was recovered with emerald ring (1986.008.0006) inside pewter reliquary box (1986.008.0007).