The position and the size of the figure is typical of Altar or Procession Crosses.
   XV-XVI c. altar or procession Crosses were generally large ensembles of great height, were the Crucifixion scene
   was reinforced by figures of the Virgin Mary on the left side, and St John on the right side.

   The direction of the broken basis, oriented to the right, is consistent with this function.
   Designed to be viewed frontaly and from a distance, the figure is thin, and the back minimally decorated.

   "This statuette was probably part of a crucifixion group in which mourning figures of Saint John and the Virgin would have stood on curved arms issuing from a
   central Cross with a crucifix. Set into various types of cross feet, such groups first appear in the twelfth century and continue throughout the middle ages."*

   The presence of black lacker and the style allow for a XVI c. datation.

   * - Medieval objects in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Metalwork, Nancy Netzer, Northeastern University Press

   Material : Bronze, dark lacker over natural brown patina. Details somewhat worn out.
   Origin : France ?
   Provenance : French art market
   Date : XVI c.
   Dimensions : 10 cm

        Ref. : md-068  

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