Post-Medieval — 17th century
Reliquary cross
Reliquary crosses were worn by Roman Catholics who faced persecution in England at this time. The cross is hinged at the top and features five small compartments inside for keeping holy relics. Relics were believed to be pieces of the Cross or artefacts associated with saints and were thought to possess protective powers. This cross would have been worn on a chain around the neck.
The design on one side illustrates Jesus Christ on the cross beneath the letters INRI, which stand for 'Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum'. This Latin inscription means 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'. On the reverse the Instruments of the Passion have been engraved, including the nails that pierced Christ's hands and feet and the spearhead that punctured his side.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- A20489
- Object name:
- Reliquary cross
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 17th century
- Material:
silver
- Measurements/duration:
- L 75 mm, W 50 mm, H 5 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.