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Crucifix

A Limoges champlevé enamel crucifix dating to the early 13th century. The applied gilt-copper figure of Christ is shown crowned and wearing a short perizonium, with open eyes and the head inclined slightly to dexter, in the Romanesque Christus Triumphans tradition. The modelling is finely observed, with a clearly articulated ribcage and a subtly differentiated stance of the legs.

The cross is enriched with deep cobalt-blue champlevé enamel, decorated with white and turquoise roundels, a scheme characteristic of Limoges enamel production around 1200–1240. The halo and cross arms are treated in a manner consistent with early 13th-century Limoges altar crosses and book-cover mounts. The enamels display light surface wear and minor losses consistent with age.

Mounted on a later velvet-covered panel for display.