PINACLE of PROCESSION CROSS - Spain - 16th century

PINNACLE of PROCESSION CROSS

Spain, 16th century

Gilded copper and iron

H.: 28; Diam. : 16cm

(old tin restorations)

Gilded copper pole composed of several hoops assembled using iron nails and rivets. It is entirely covered with a rich embossed decoration of ribboned cartouches, winged putti head friezes and serrated cabochons. The upper band is decorated with six nuns' faces, alternating with radiant flower buds.

Processional sticks, accompanied by processional banners, were carried by religious people on the occasion of events in the Christian liturgy. Most commonly topped with a cross – and sometimes with a baldachin or a canopy, the pinnacle refers to the intermediate part, making the junction with the pole.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. : 4734