Pectoral cross
The Pectoral Cross or crux pectoralis, from the Latin "pectus," meaning breast, is worn on the chest near the heart. Often containing a relic of the True Cross preserved in a small compartment, they are only worn by high officials of the Catholic Church such as cardinals, bishops, or abbots. Together with a bishop's ring, the Pectoral Cross has formed part of the episcopal regalia since the late Middle Ages. Hemmerle made this pectoral cross of gemstones and enamel especially for their display at the Exposition Universelle, the World Exhibition in Paris, and unveiled it there in 1900. Considered a central attraction among all the jewels on display, the work was awarded one of the exhibition’s much-coveted prizes. The cross merges various medieval stylistic influences with great verve into a new ornamental revival language of astonishing brilliance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pectoral cross
- Maker: Hemmerle (German, 1893–present)
- Date: 1900
- Culture: German, Munich
- Medium: Yellow gold (750/1000 or 18-karat finenss), filigree work; opaque blue, black and white enamel, translucent dark red and transparent cream enamel; amethysts, citrine cabochons, chalcedony and pearls
- Dimensions: Confirmed, cross only (integral bail-drop): 5 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 1 1/8 in. (13.4 × 8.3 × 2.8 cm)
Overall length, confirmed: 35 1/8 in. (89.2 cm) - Classifications: Metalwork-Gold and Platinum, Jewelry
- Credit Line: Gift of Stefan and Sylveli Hemmerle, 2018
- Object Number: 2018.866
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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