|
This altar cross of rock crystal, mounted in silver-gilt, is standing on triangular pedestal and shaft with floral ornament of enamel, fitted with three rock crystal panels in the base. The rock crystal plaques on the cross are engraved with the Crucifixion and the four Evangelists; the panels in the base depict the Entombment of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ and the Harrowing of Hell.
The altar cross, with a pair of altar candlesticks, are some of the most magnificent and sumptuous surviving examples of Italian Renaissance goldsmiths' work. The combination of costly materials such as rock crystal and agate with demanding techniques like translucent enamel was typical of the greatest commissions. The origin of this set is not known but it was probably made for the private chapel of a cardinal or a Roman patrician family.
|
