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Description: | Medieval copper alloy gilded and Limoges enamel panel from the right-hand arm of a processional cross. It is a broad T on its side in shape and one corner is bent and a little torn. It measures 53.2x17.1mm across the top of the T, and 40x19.5 across the squat stem. It is 1.6mm thick and weighs 16.77g.
The panel depicts a winged bull on a dark blue enamel background within a border 1mm wide of gilding (the wings cross onto this border). This is flanked by a band 2.5mm wide of green enamel and finally a gilded zig-zag border flanking the edge of the panel.
The winged bull has a reddish coloured body and wings, probably cuprous oxide caused by the gilding process. The bull faces left as you look at the panel and has a halo with traces of red and blue enamel. Gilding covers much of one wing and the lower part of the other, as well as part of the face and the outline of the body. The wings extend into one corner of the T. In the other is a lozenge outline, missing its enamel, surrounded by the dark blue enamel background.
The features of the bull and the wings are picked out with light grooves. An area of enamel between the two wings is missing and was presumably a dark blue.
There are four rivet holes (c.2.5mm in diameter) in line with the central stem of the T. Two in the corners at the base of the T and two just above the stem inside the top of the T.
On the reverse between two of the rivet holes a downwards-pointing arrow has been scratched. Presumably this is to align the arm of the cross on the crucifix from behind (ie. 'this way up') - however the perpetrator of the arrow has got it pointing in the wrong direction!
The winged bull represents St Luke, one of the four evangelists. There would have been an evangelist on each point of the cross (if a processional cross, the lower most one would have been further up the stem). Nick Griffiths comments that angels with an animal head represent the evangelists.
Late 12th/ 13th century. | Subjects: | Limoges | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Hinds, Katie - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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