French, Limoges, early 13th century

the wood carcase applied on both sides with gilt copper punched and engraved with star patterns, set with glass pastes and applied with enamel corpus, the back with punched ground and applied with lozenge shaped enamel appliques with star pattern, the terminals with the symbols of the evangelists

The crucifix is in overall good condition consistent with age. There is rubbing to the gilding and losses to the enamel, as well as to the glass pastes. Christ's proper left arm is deattached from the cross. There are some smaller and two larger losses to the gilt copper sheet to the right and left terminal of the cross and to the upper terminal at the left side. There are a few later nails, especially to the reverse for attachment of a later central copper sheet. The wooden support and the enamel plaques to the reverse of the cross may not be original.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1950, Stohlman grouped a particular type of Limoges crosses together based on decorative motifs characterized by a metal ground worked with stars and cabochons with figures applied in applique. The present cross is an example of this group. A similar processional cross, de-accessioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was sold Sotheby's New York January 2008, lot 14.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. Stohlman, `The Star Group of Champlevé Enamels and its Connections', in  Art Bulletin, XXXII, 1950, pp. 327-30