Germany, Lower Saxony?, 11th century / 1038 or shortly after
Ceremonial Cross of Countess Gertrude
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Ceremonial Cross of Countess Gertrude as metalwork (Germany, Lower Saxony?, 11th century · 1038 or shortly after).
Countess Gertrude's name appears on the back of the cross at the bottom.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this metalwork as gold: worked in repoussé; cloisonné enamel, intaglio gems, pearls, wood core.
The museum's collection notes: This precious gold cross was commissioned by Countess Gertrude (died 1077) and given to the church of Saint Blaise following the death of her husband, Count Liudolf of Brunswick (died 1038). The cross was intended to be carried in liturgical processions or to be placed on a church altar. The inclusion of relics within the crosses endowed them with an additional role as devotional objects. At the center of the four cross arms, fine but much damaged cloisonné enamel plaques represent the symbols of the four Evangelists--an eagle for Saint John (above); a lion for Saint Mark (on the left); an ox for Saint Luke (on the right); and an angel for Sa
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtCeremonial Cross of Countess GertrudeOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.