Beschreibung:

POST MEDIEVAL PROCESSIONAL CROSS WITH BOSSES Late 19th century AD A large bronze processional cross with equal arms forming a Greek cross flaring at the ends; boss in the centre and at the end of each point of the points of the arms; body of the cross decorated with round bosses, tear drops, lozenges and D-shapes; tang to the bottom for insertion into staff; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg, 67.5cm (26 1/2"). Very fine condition, some restoration. Provenance From an old German collection; acquired before 1990. Footnotes Along with icons, processional crosses are an important part of the church fittings that play a key part in the liturgy. Processional crosses are employed in in the entry processions of the clergy and go before the Gospel-book. In the Byzantine period they were also used as defensive spiritual tools during battle and were held aloft to ward off the evil that came with a aggressive foe, but also acted to bless and protect the soldiers fighting on the side of the Emperor.