Devotional cross
Gilt silver and agate
Southern Germany, circa 1650
H : 27,5 cm
With its original wooden case
Description
Agate is a type of chalcedony that, in the 17th century, came mainly from mines in the Idar-Oberstein region of Germany. Particularly appreciated for its hardness and color, it was used in both sacred and secular artworks.
This cross is composed by several finely carved elements, assembled by engraved silver gilt mounts. The palmette motif of the endings, as well as the Christ figure, bring this work closer to a 17th century rock crystal cross preserved in the V&A Museum (inv. no. A 97-1927).
