ticketsMember | Make a donation

Pendant Capsule in the Form of a Tau Cross, with the Trinity and the Virgin and Child

ca. 1485
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 10
Carrying protective plant matter on or close to the body was one way in which medieval people sought to avoid disease. Placed around the neck, this pendant may have contained an herbal compound intended to prevent illness. Its two halves, one of which has a shallow cavity, were designed to fit together snugly. Its shape, a cross in the form of the Greek letter tau, was a symbol of Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of those suffering from the skin diseases commonly and collectively known as "Saint Anthony’s Fire" (or sometimes ignis sacer, "holy fire"). The pendant may have been worn by a member of the order of Saint Anthony, which was known for treating these afflictions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pendant Capsule in the Form of a Tau Cross, with the Trinity and the Virgin and Child
  • Date: ca. 1485
  • Geography: Made in England
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Cast and engraved gold
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 3/8 x 1 1/8 x 1/8 in. (3.5 x 2.9 x 0.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1990
  • Object Number: 1990.283a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Opus Anglicanum (Chasuble), Silk and metallic threads on linen; appliqué on silk velvet foundation with silk embroidery and silver-gilt shot, British
Opus Anglicanum (Chasuble)
British
late 15th century
Renaissance Signet Ring “Talbot”, Gold, British
On loan to The Met
Renaissance Signet Ring “Talbot”
British
15th century
Apostle Spoon, Silver, partial gilt, British
Apostle Spoon
British
ca. 1490
Apostle Spoon, Silver, partial gilt, British
Apostle Spoon
British
ca. 1470–90
Genealogical Chronicle of the Kings of England, Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on parchment, British
Genealogical Chronicle of the Kings of England
British
1466–67

Related Content

Perspectives

Articles, audio, and video from The Met's online magazine.

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Showing 4 of 5

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.