An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Ceremonial Cross of Countess Gertrude1038 or shortly after
This precious gold cross was commissioned by Countess Gertrude (died 1077) and given to the church of Saint Blaise following the death of her husband, Count Liudolf of Brunswick (died 1038). The cross was intended to be carried in liturgical processions or to be placed on a church altar. The inclusion of relics within the crosses endowed them with an additional role as devotional objects. At the center of the four cross arms, fine but much damaged cloisonné enamel plaques represent the symbols of the four Evangelists--an eagle for Saint John (above); a lion for Saint Mark (on the left); an ox for Saint Luke (on the right); and an angel for Saint Matthew (below). Pearls and precious and semiprecious stones are set within an intricate network of gold filigree while a large sapphire, inscribed in a circle and likewise surrounded by pearls and precious stones, is placed at the crossing.
Countess Gertrude's name appears on the back of the cross at the bottom.
gold: worked in repoussé; cloisonné enamel, intaglio gems, pearls, wood core
Overall: 24.2 x 21.6 cm (9 1/2 x 8 1/2 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund with the addition of a gift from Mrs. Edward B. Greene
In a time long past, where shadows of kings and queens danced in the flickering light of candles, there lived a noblewoman known as Countess Gertrude. Her heart, heavy with sorrow, broken by the loss of her beloved husband, Count Liudolf of Brunswick, who passed away in the year of 1038. As waves of grief washed over her, she sought solace in her faith, channeling her pain into a luminous act of devotion that would echo through time.
With meticulous care, she commissioned a golden cross, a treasure not merely of metal, but a symbol entwined with the spirit of love and remembrance. This cross, radiant and sacred, was destined for the church of Saint Blaise, a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. It would be carried in liturgical processions, a vibrant testament of faith and a reminder of her eternal bond with Liudolf.
Crafted for reverence, the cross bore cloisonné enamel plaques that held storied significance. Though weathered by time, these delicate adornments represented the four Evangelists, each a guardian of the Gospel’s truths. At the top, the eagle soared—a powerful symbol for Saint John. To the left, the image of a lion roared for Saint Mark. On the right stood the steadfast ox for Saint Luke, while at the bottom, the angel graced the presence of Saint Matthew. Each figure was a reminder that stories, like the ones that shaped their lives, can transcend the boundaries of time.
Nestled among the radiant gold filigree were pearls and both precious and semi-precious stones, each carefully set like a constellation within a night sky. The heart of the cross cradled a large sapphire, enshrined within a circle, surrounded by a halo of pearls—a symbol of the sacred and the precious intertwined.
In the glow of the church’s altar, this golden cross became more than an object; it transformed into a vessel of memories, prayers, and unyielding love. Countess Gertrude, through her act of devotion, created a legacy of peace, forever reminding the faithful of the bonds that tie us to those we cherish, and the stories that continue to resonate in our hearts, echoing across the ages.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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