Gilded metal cross depicting Christ, the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint Peter. Front view.

Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded metal cross decorated with an enthroned Christ in Majesty, an eagle, an ox, a lion, and a saint. Front view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded and chased metal cross adorned with a crucified Christ surrounded by four figures. Three-quarter view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded metal cross decorated with an enthroned Christ in Majesty, an eagle, an ox, a lion, and a saint. Front view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded and chased metal cross adorned with a crucified Christ surrounded by four figures. Three-quarter view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded and chased metal plaque, surrounded by rock crystal spheres, adorned with a repousse metal figure of a seated man. Front view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded and chased metal plaque, surrounded by crystal spheres, adorned with a repousse metal figure of a seated woman. Front view.

The Cross of Pietro Vannini, Cl. 9927 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The Cross of Pietro Vannini

Description

On display - room 17

15th century

Late Middle Ages

This cross is an unusual biface cross, meaning that it is decorated on both sides. It is attributed to the Italian goldsmith Pietro Vannini who was active in the second half of the 15th century.

It was made by fixing sheets of gold to a wooden frame and it was then decorated with 37 rock crystal spheres.

The principal side first shows the Crucifixion. Christ is depicted between Mary, Mother of God, and St John. At Christ’s feet you can see Mary Magdalen and St Peter is at the top. The exceptional expressiveness of the faces heightens the dramatic tension in the scene.

In addition to the micro-sculptures, which were skilfully made using the repoussé technique, there are a number of enamel plaques. The plaques mostly depict the saints and prophets, except for the central plaque which shows a pelican.

According to medieval legend, pelicans sometimes sacrifice themselves to save their young, feeding them with their own blood. As such, the Pelican became a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, through which his blood was spilled to save mankind.

In the centre of the back of the cross, God the Father is making a gesture of benediction. He is surrounded by a tetramorph, a symbolic representation of the four evangelists.

The dimpled orange-peel effect was created using a stamp, while the floral and plant motifs were engraved. The translucid enamels add colours ranging from blues though various shades of lilac to very bright oranges, turquoises and greens.
 

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century

Recently read content

Metal object with two engraved panels: one depicting a woman holding a lit candle, and the other a woman with a sword. Front view.

Sibyls, portable diptych for private devotion, Cl. 23986 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Sibyls

Circa 1500-1510

Gilded metalwork piece adorned with engraved patterns and crystal beads. Front view.

Phylactery reliquary from the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Termonde, Cl. 13073 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

Phylactery reliquary

13th century