Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Crucifix pendant or paternoster
This rock crystal crucifix could have been worn as a pendant, or it could have been attached to the end of a rosary. It has beveled edges terminating in black and white mounts with embossed winged heads of cherubim. On the cross is a figure of Christ executed in white and gilded enamel.
The purity of rock crystal was often associated with Christ. According to Pliny’s Natural History, which was read and copied throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, rock crystal was seen as a permanently solidified form of water. Later Christian theologians built upon this idea, viewing rock crystal as a material that had been transubstantiated, just as the bread and wine are changed in substance into the body and blood of Christ in the Christian Mass. Medieval and Renaissance commentators also noted the similarities between the words “Christus” (Christ) and “crystallus” (crystal).
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
Exhibitions
| 1979-1980 | Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1971-1972 | World of Wonder. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 5/9/1991 | Examination | examined for condition |
Geographies
Spain (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 2 9/16 × W: 1 7/16 × D: 3/8 in. (6.5 × 3.6 × 1 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
44.576