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Processional or Altar Cross. Limoges, France. Romanesque. Second quarter of the 13th century.
In Millésime 24
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Description
Processional or Altar Cross. Limoges, France. Romanesque. Second quarter of the 13th century.
An important processional or altar cross, with a double transverse bar. Its wooden core is covered with engraved, punched, and gilded copper plates, adorned with champlevé enamel elements in shades of blue, yellow, green, and white, and cabochons of gemstones and coloured glass. It features an appliqué figure of Christ in embossed, engraved, and gilded copper, with a long loin cloth adorned with blue and turquoise champlevé enamel and glass eyes.
Height 39.5 cm.
Crosses with a double transverse bar, originating in the Byzantine era, were considered staurothekes, that is, reliquaries of the True Cross. This tradition persisted in Limoges amongst the precious metalworkers, as demonstrated by this rare specimen, although it has unfortunately lost its precious relic, which was located on the upper transverse bar, above the head of Christ.
Few specimens like this cross have survived. One that has is the cross kept at the Castle Museum in Norwich, Norfolk, England, although it is in a considerably worse condition than this one, as it retains none of the gilding, gemstones, or the relic (Inventory No. NWHCM: 1846.97). There is also the cross kept in the Church of the Temple of Carentoir in France.
An interesting feature can be seen on this cross, also found on the Bonneval Cross, which is part of the Musée de Cluny collection (Inventory No. Cl. 22888), and that is the widening at the end of each arm—a form inherited from Carolingian or Byzantine art that would later be taken up again in Catalan precious metal-working.
According to Dr. Paul Thoby's classification in "Les Croix limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle," Paris, Editions A. et J. Picard, 1953; this crucifix belongs to the second group, i.e. from the late 12th century to the mid-13th century. These are crosses with a wooden core and a covering of fine engraved and stamped copper plates with applications of champlevé enamel, featuring an appliqué figure of Christ in enamelled copper at the centre.
Dr. Thoby's work is truly interesting, as he mentions in the book's introduction that, upon visiting the magnificent Limoges enamel exhibition organised in 1948 in Limoges itself and which presented a never-before-seen collection, he realised that out of the nearly two hundred objects exhibited — pyxes, reliquaries, pastoral staffs, plates, etc.—only two were processional crosses. As he writes, these types of crosses are rare because they usually had a wooden core covered with gilded or enamelled copper plates; many, losing the wooden core due to woodworm, were reconstructed, melted, or their parts were scattered.
Previously, in 1890, Ernest Rupin mentioned ten processional crosses with champlevé enamel, so an in depth study of these crosses was pending. A brilliant study was then initiated by M. Marquet de Vasselot.
Initially, the focus was on processional crosses, but it soon became apparent that it was impossible to discriminate between these and altar crosses, as most of the time in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the same cross that processed and was later placed on the altar. It had to be of considerable size to be seen by all the worshippers from afar.
The study, therefore, focused on all Limoges enamel crosses regardless of their size, from the late 12th century to the first quarter of the 14th century, a time when champlevé enamel disappeared abruptly. At the end of the study, a total of 116 crosses were recorded between France and other countries.
Our cross is in a very satisfactory state of preservation. It retains all the gilded copper plates, most with engraved decoration and champlevé enamel applications.
There are slight flaws and restoration work, such as the right arm of Christ, which has been reconstructed.
This lot has been imported, so it has a guaranteed export permit from the Ministry of Culture.
Provenance:
- Aguttes, Neuilly, France. Auction June 17, 2008, lot 156.
- Private collection in Limoges.
Reference biography:
- Thoby, Paul. (1953). "Les Croix limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle". Editions A. et J Picard.
- Thoby, Paul. (1963). "Le Crucifix des Origines au Concile de Trente. Supplément". Bellanger.
- Exposition Paris - New York 1995/1996, L'œuvre de Limoges, Émaux limousins du Moyen Age, Musée du Louvre - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, cat.105, p 315-317.
Bibliography for comparisons:
https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/collections/collections-object-page?id=NWHCM+%3A+1846.97
https://www.passion-patrimoine.fr/spip.php?article54
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Processional or Altar Cross. Limoges, France. Romanesque. Second quarter of the 13th century.
An important processional or altar cross, with a double transverse bar. Its wooden core is covered with engraved, punched, and gilded copper plates, adorned with champlevé enamel elements in shades of blue, yellow, green, and white, and cabochons of gemstones and coloured glass. It features an appliqué figure of Christ in embossed, engraved, and gilded copper, with a long loin cloth adorned with blue and turquoise champlevé enamel and glass eyes.
Height 39.5 cm.
Crosses with a double transverse bar, originating in the Byzantine era, were considered staurothekes, that is, reliquaries of the True Cross. This tradition persisted in Limoges amongst the precious metalworkers, as demonstrated by this rare specimen, although it has unfortunately lost its precious relic, which was located on the upper transverse bar, above the head of Christ.
Few specimens like this cross have survived. One that has is the cross kept at the Castle Museum in Norwich, Norfolk, England, although it is in a considerably worse condition than this one, as it retains none of the gilding, gemstones, or the relic (Inventory No. NWHCM: 1846.97). There is also the cross kept in the Church of the Temple of Carentoir in France.
An interesting feature can be seen on this cross, also found on the Bonneval Cross, which is part of the Musée de Cluny collection (Inventory No. Cl. 22888), and that is the widening at the end of each arm—a form inherited from Carolingian or Byzantine art that would later be taken up again in Catalan precious metal-working.
According to Dr. Paul Thoby's classification in "Les Croix limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle," Paris, Editions A. et J. Picard, 1953; this crucifix belongs to the second group, i.e. from the late 12th century to the mid-13th century. These are crosses with a wooden core and a covering of fine engraved and stamped copper plates with applications of champlevé enamel, featuring an appliqué figure of Christ in enamelled copper at the centre.
Dr. Thoby's work is truly interesting, as he mentions in the book's introduction that, upon visiting the magnificent Limoges enamel exhibition organised in 1948 in Limoges itself and which presented a never-before-seen collection, he realised that out of the nearly two hundred objects exhibited — pyxes, reliquaries, pastoral staffs, plates, etc.—only two were processional crosses. As he writes, these types of crosses are rare because they usually had a wooden core covered with gilded or enamelled copper plates; many, losing the wooden core due to woodworm, were reconstructed, melted, or their parts were scattered.
Previously, in 1890, Ernest Rupin mentioned ten processional crosses with champlevé enamel, so an in depth study of these crosses was pending. A brilliant study was then initiated by M. Marquet de Vasselot.
Initially, the focus was on processional crosses, but it soon became apparent that it was impossible to discriminate between these and altar crosses, as most of the time in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the same cross that processed and was later placed on the altar. It had to be of considerable size to be seen by all the worshippers from afar.
The study, therefore, focused on all Limoges enamel crosses regardless of their size, from the late 12th century to the first quarter of the 14th century, a time when champlevé enamel disappeared abruptly. At the end of the study, a total of 116 crosses were recorded between France and other countries.
Our cross is in a very satisfactory state of preservation. It retains all the gilded copper plates, most with engraved decoration and champlevé enamel applications.
There are slight flaws and restoration work, such as the right arm of Christ, which has been reconstructed.
This lot has been imported, so it has a guaranteed export permit from the Ministry of Culture.
Provenance:
- Aguttes, Neuilly, France. Auction June 17, 2008, lot 156.
- Private collection in Limoges.
Reference biography:
- Thoby, Paul. (1953). "Les Croix limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle". Editions A. et J Picard.
- Thoby, Paul. (1963). "Le Crucifix des Origines au Concile de Trente. Supplément". Bellanger.
- Exposition Paris - New York 1995/1996, L'œuvre de Limoges, Émaux limousins du Moyen Age, Musée du Louvre - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, cat.105, p 315-317.
Bibliography for comparisons:
https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/collections/collections-object-page?id=NWHCM+%3A+1846.97
https://www.passion-patrimoine.fr/spip.php?article54
Millésime 24
Sale Date(s)
Lots: 73
Venue Address
Conde de Salvatierra, 8
Barcelona
08006
Spain
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
The purchase price includes the delivery of the lots in the venue of the auction. Transporting to other destinations is at the own risk of the client. The customer must contact "LST", to give the corresponding instructions for such transporting. "LST" is not responsible for the packaging or any accident incurred during transportation.
Important Information
Once again, we start the year with a special auction, called Millésime.
A catalog of 73 lots of European, Novo-Hispanic and Vicerregal art, so spanish americas art, where you will find paintings, furniture, decorative arts etc.
We hope you enjoy it!!
Terms & Conditions
CONDITIONS OF THE AUCTION:
I. REGISTRATION. To bid in the room customers must register at the beginning, filling out a form and picking a number that will identify them during the auction. Customers may be required to register in bank references or other guarantee system and if they do not prove the solvency "LST" will not accept bids and award the auction.
II. WRITTEN BIDS. "LST" will accept written bids, which will be formalized in the form provided by the room until the day before the auction. In such auctions, the room will bid in name of the client until the maximum stated in the offer and always at the lowest possible price. If there are two or more bids for the same amount, the one placed first will have the priority. Written bids received in advance, will have priority on the day of the auction.
III. TELEPHONE BIDS. "LST" will allow telephone bids, if interested people contact "LST" days before the auction providing personal data, ID card and the phone number which will be used by the staff of "LST" to call at the time of the auction. The buyer, within all the legal rights is making an offer for the asking price, when applies for telephone bid. "LST" will not take responsibility for any technical defects beyond its control, which may prevent to contact successfully the bidder during the auction.
IV. AUCTIONEER. The auction will be conducted by an auctioneer, director of the auction will be judge and arbitrator of it with full authority in its development, will award the lots to the highest bidder and is able to settle any controversy concerning lots sale, reject bids, divide lots or group them and remover objects from the room. Will be able to, if it is deemed suitable, not accept bids on the auction. His decision will be unappealable.
V. SALE OF LOTS. The lots are awarded to the highest bidder. Once the auctioneer blows the hammer, the buyer becomes responsible of the lot purchased, exempting "LST" of liability to for any damage and / or accidents that may occur. No refunds of lots.
VI. STARTING PRICE. The amount shown in the catalogue as the starting price for each lot will be, as a rule, the minimum selling price, except for exceptional cases where a reservation may be agreed upon with the seller or it set discretionary by the room.
VII. SCALE OF BIDS. The bids are set according to the following scale:
From 50.-€ to 200.-€…………………………………………..at 10.-€
From 200.-€ to 500.-€…………………………………… …25 in 25.-€
From 500.-€ to 1.000.-€………………………………..…..….50 in 50.-€
From 1.000.-€ to 2.000.-€………………………………..…100 in 100.-€
From 2.000.-€ to 5.000.-€……………………………….….250 in 250.-€
From 5.000.-€ to 10.000.-€…………………………………500 in 500.-€
From 10.000.-€ to 20.000.-€……………………………1.000 in 1.000.-€
From 20.000.-€ to 50.000.-€……………………………2.500 in 2.500.-€
From 50.000.-€ to 100.000.-€…………………………..5.000 in 5.000.-€
From 100.000.-€ to 100.000.-€………………………10.000 in 10.000.-€
From 200.000.-€ to 200.000.-€………………………25.000 in 25.000.-€
From 500.000.-€ to 500.000.-€………………………50.000 in 50.000.-€
VIII. RIGHT OF ADMISION. "LST" reserves the right to admission to the auction room and to reject, at its judgment, any purchase order, from clients whose solvency is not duly proved as well as not to sale auctions.
IX. SALE PRICES. The successful bidder of one or more lots must pay "LST" the final sale price achieves at auction, plus the 24,5 % plus 21% VAT on the commission.
X. CATALOG DATA. The catalogue data are obtained in order to careful research and advice, however, any responsibility is afforded about its accuracy. The lots will be auctioned in the state in which they are, not accepting any claims in restorations, breakage, damage, imperfections and, even description or numbering mistakes in the catalogue, in case of it, being the burden of the buyers to make sure before the auction that the description matches with their personal opinion about respective lot. The exhibition of the lots is intended to allow a perfect review and study of them.
XI. PAYMENT AND REMOVAL OF LOTS. Payment and removal of the lots will be held no later than five days following the auction. After this period expire without having the buyer removed the lot or lots purchases, it will accrue an expense of custody of 6 euros per day on each lot.
15 days after the auction without having the buyer paid and removes the sold lots, "LST" will inform the seller and there will begin judicial proceeding in order to obtain payment. The delay in payment by the purchaser of his/her sold lots will carry an interest increase at a rate of 1,5% per month.
XII. DELIVERY OF LOTS. The purchase price includes the delivery of the lots in the venue of the auction. Transporting to other destinations is at the own risk of the client. The customer must contact "LST", to give the corresponding instructions for such transporting. "LST" is not responsible for the packaging or any accident incurred during transportation.
XIII. RIGHT OF FIRT REFUSAL AND REPURCHASE. "LST" in order to article 38 of "Ley 16/1985 de 25 Junio del Patrimonio Histórico Español" (BOE. 155 June 29, 1985), will notify in advance to the Ministry of Culture, the content of their catalogues. Concerning the lots subject to the legislation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Administration may exercise the rights of first refusal and repurchase according to the law. "LST" will watch over the protection of Artistic, Historical and Bibliographical Heritage of Spain. For customers out of European Community, a tax for export is required by the Administration.
XIV. VALUE ADDED TAX (I.V.A). This tax will be accrued on commissions of "LST" for buyers, using the rates prevailing on the date of the auction.
XV. DATA PROTECTION. In order to the "Ley 15/1999 de 13 de Diciembre, de Protección de Datos de Carácter Personal", the client authorize "LST", the inclusion of their data in a customer file, and for the promotion by "LST" of the objects at all times the rights of access, rectification or deletion of personal data by sending the appropriate request to the following address: LA SUITE SUBASTAS, C/ Conde Salvatierra, 8, 08006. Barcelona.
XVI. EXPRESS LEGAL JURISDICTION. These Conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the rules of Spanish law. The mere act of participating in the auction as seller, buyer or bidder, implies acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Sales operations are understood to be held at the registered office of "LST", C/ Conde de Salvatierra, 8, 08006. Any dispute shall be taken to the competent courts of Barcelona, expressly waiving any other jurisdiction, in accordance with Article 55 of the "Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil".
