A FINE AND IMPORTANT GOTHIC GILT-COPPER AND ENAMEL PROCESSIONAL CROSS, 13TH CENTURY, SOUTHERN FRANCE OR NORTHERN SPAIN. The finial mounted with an Angel of God atop stylized clouds whose arms are outstretched so as to hold a censer. Beneath the angel a horizontal mounted oval enamel plaque engraved with gilt Latin expression “ORA” meant to be read in unison with a similar oval plaque depicted immediately beneath the feet of Christ inscribed “DEU,” which when read together form the expression “ORA DEU (PRAY TO GOD).” At the center of the cross is mounted a gilt sculpted figure of the crucified Christ. Above his head a diagonally mounted enameled plaque with engraved gilt Latin acronym INRI- IESUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM (Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews). To the left and right of Christ on the center crossbeam are two horizontally mounted oval gilt enameled plaques depicting the “Good Thief” (left) and the “Bad Thief” (right). Further out still on the terminals are mourning figures, the left figure probably being a replacement. At the base of the cross is a figure of Adam rising out of his sarcophagus. The verso of cross engraved overall with scrolling foliage and the center mounted with impressive gilt and enamel plaque of Christ enthroned. Each of the terminal ends engraved with symbols of the four Evangelists. Height 19.8 inches (55 cm).

Comparision:
For a nearly identical example see lot #457 Christie's New York auction of October 21, 2005.