FRENCH, LIMOGES, FIRST HALF 13TH CENTURY AND LATER | Processional Cross

the copper repoussé with illegible script throughout

Overall the condition of the cross is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The cross appears to be a composite, and as such some of the parts are fitted slightly unevenly, and are possibly reattached. The copper has been applied to the cross in several sheets, and there are a few slightly open but stable joints at the edges, as well as some warping. There are minor losses to the copper in a few areas, notably at the top of the cross on the reverse, where there is also more substantial warping. Several of the pins holding the copper in place are lost. There is rubbing to the gilding throughout, and in particular at the high points. There are a few minor enamel losses to the medallions at the front, and further losses to the enamel of the roundel at the back, particularly at both sides and around the halo. There is a hole at the bottom, within the exposed wood core, where a pole or base would likely have been inserted.
"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."

The Christ figure on the present cross adheres to the type of late 12th and early 13th century Limoges corpora, identified by Paul Thoby (op. cit, p. 8) as the second type, variety B - according to Thoby, this is the first group of corpora where Christ's suffrage starts to be illustrated and pathos is created by the tense arms and down-turned mouth. The appliques with the four evangelists and the Christ in Majesty are probably slightly later in date - there is also the possibility of a Spanish origin for the plaques at the front. indicated by the use of more red enamel. The shape of the terminals and the copper repoussé ground are also slightly suggestive of a Spanish origin. The present cross is most likely to be a composite medieval object, perhaps assembled in its present shape in the 14th or 15th century. The combination makes for a still harmonious whole, and the cross would almost certainly have been in use as a processional cross.  RELATED LITERATURE
P. Thoby, Les Croix Limousines de la Fin du XIIe Siècle au Début du XIVe Siècle, Paris, 1953, pp. 6-11