Christ, head of; Agnus Dei

A complete pewter pendant consisting of a beaded circular frame holding in place two discs, back-to-back. This pendant is probably a pilgrim souvenir from Rome. One side of the pendant is made from a vernicle, a souvenir of the Veronica in Rome (the Veronica was the veil of St Veronica). Veronica had been moved to pity by the sight of Christ carrying his cross and gave him her veil to wipe his forehead. When he gave it back to her, the image of his face had been miraculously impressed on it. The veil was kept at St Peter’s Basilica where it was periodically displayed. By the 14th century it was displayed every Sunday and became Rome’s chief attraction. The vernicle depicts the face of Christ. The other side of the pendant is decorated with an image of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), a common emblem of Jesus Christ. The lamb stands with a cross-shafted banner.