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A Limoges gilt copper and champlevé enamel relief cast figural cross of the Crucified Christ Probably 13th century (2) image 1
A Limoges gilt copper and champlevé enamel relief cast figural cross of the Crucified Christ Probably 13th century (2) image 2
A Limoges gilt copper and champlevé enamel relief cast figural cross of the Crucified Christ Probably 13th century (2) image 3
Lot 11

A Limoges gilt copper and champlevé enamel relief cast figural cross of the Crucified Christ
Probably 13th century

Fine Decorative Arts
1 July 2025, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £4,096 inc. premium

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A Limoges gilt copper and champlevé enamel relief cast figural cross of the Crucified Christ

Probably 13th century
The figure of Christ wearing a crown and perizonium, the folds of the latter outlined in panelled blue enamel, his body carefully modelled with precise delineation of the ribs, his hair and beard finely stippled, the enamel eyes open, his head and knees turned to dexter, the figure applied to a cross with formalised scrolling decoration with some traces of blue and turquoise enamel and faint traces of gilding remaining, the rear with incised cross makers mark, mounted on a modern patinated bronze square bases stand, the figure 21cm high, 14.5cm wide, 2.5cm deep, the stand, 21cm high, 12cm wide, 12cm deep (2)

Footnotes

The slight tilt of the knee to figures right is an indication that the piece dates to the second quarter of the 13th century given that this stylistic device represents a rejection of the more static frontal positioning of the figures produced in the early 13th century which were more indebted to the Romanesque style.
Limoges medieval cross figures were first defined by the French scholar Paul Thoby eighty years ago. The author identified four groups ranging in date of manufacture from 1150 to 1300, and the present example appears to belong to his 'Type II' or 'Gem Group'. This variation was in use from around 1225 and depicts Christ crowned, with the use of enamel confined only to the loincloth, eyes and footrest. The stippling of the hair and beard, the delineation of the ribs but not the stomach, the use of enamel to the eyes and loincloth and the slight bend to the knees all indicate a probable date of between 1225 and 1250.

A comparable example of a Limoges figural cross is in collection of The Cluny Musee National du Moyen Age (cl. 23671).

Related Literature
The Cluny Musee National du Moyen Age Album, Editions de la Reunion des Musees Nationaux, Paris, 2003, page 64

Additional information

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