altar cross

Object NameAltar Cross

Made FromGlass, Gold, Metal

Date1600-1699

TechniqueBlown, mold-blown, cut; gilt metal mounts

SizeOverall H: 66.4 cm, W: 30.9 cm; Base Diam: 16.5 cm

Accession Number80.3.46

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Place Made

Italy, probably Venice

Physical DescriptionAltar Cross. Translucent blue. Blown, mold-blown; cut. Gilded metal mounts. Cross with arms and shaft of translucent blue glass rods of oval cross section, with three gilded metal terminals of trefoil form, each with cast heads of cherubs on both sides; facet cut square of same blue glass at center, held loosely in gilded metal frame. Two metal collars spaced on shaft, and strings of flat trefoils outline both shaft and arms. Shaft, mounted in gilded metal socket, is also decorated with cherub mask atop hollow [blown?] ovoid glass knop, with gilded metal collars with fleur de lis borders; rod passes through knop and attaches to mounting at base of cross; it also passes through metal capstan knop and blown, ribbed glass knop with fleur de lis collar atop mold-blown, domed glass foot with similar fleur de lis collars at top and bottom. Rod is screwed into pierced gilded metal plate and decorated with band of openwork scrolls surrounding disk at center; turned metal base with four scroll feet held onto rim with screws.
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