English: Processional Cross, late 11th-early 12th century

Spanish; Made in Asturias Silver, partially gilt on wood core, carved gems, jewels; 23 1/4 x 19 in. (59.1 x 48.3 cm) Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.1406)

The figure of Christ flanked by the Virgin and Saint John dominates the front of this Spanish processional cross from the Church of San Salvador de Fuentes in the province of Oviedo. Above the large crystal, which once held a relic, an angel swings a censer. At the bottom, Adam rises from his grave, raditionally believed to be the hill of Golgotha, where Christ was crucified. The juxaposition boldly portrays the scriptural passage: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22). The reverse illustrates the Lamb of God surrounded by the beasts that symbolize the authors of the Four Gospels. It also bears a Latin inscription, which translates, "In honor of the Holy Savior: (Sanccia [Sancha] Guidisalvi had me made or made me)." Sanccia, a woman's name, refers to a female donor, but contemporary records do mention women artists working at this time in Spain. Supported by a wooden core, the figural decoration is formed from silver worked in such high relief that all of the figures' heads except Christ's and the Virgin's have broken off. (Metropolitan Museum, NY)