Renaissance processional cross from the Charles V period. Spain, first half of the 16th century

Renaissance processional cross from the Charles V period. Spain, first half of the 16th century.
Wooden core. Gilded copper.
Presents faults.
Measurements: 70 x 33 x 8 cm; 10 x 22 x 12 cm (base).

Processional cross of wood covered with copper with flordelisados finishes in three of the arms, decorated to the front and to the back with an engraved composition based on vegetable and geometric simple elements, motives that are repeated throughout the inferior part of the cross. The figure of the Virgin and Child stands out in the central area.

These types of pieces were used in important liturgical acts, such as processions, and were often changed when there were economic means to do so and following the new fashions. The typology of this type of cross finial, known as "flordelisada" due to the termination of its arms, was one of the most common in Spanish silverware of the time and enjoyed a long tradition. Precious metals and materials such as gold, silver, gilded silver, enamels, precious stones, etc. were preferred for its realization. But in case the parish or ecclesiastical authority could not afford the cost, they were made in other more humble but richer looking materials, such as gilded copper. In this second case, the fashions and techniques of silverware were also followed, and striking similarities can be found in works of different materials.