Late 15th Century Processional Cross

A rare and important brass processional cross from the late 15th century, with a cylindrical cross-section whose ends are adorned with spheres decorated with fleur-de-lis lace.
At the crossing is a statuette of Christ, his hair resting on his shoulders and wearing a loincloth. He is surmounted by a radiant halo and the Titulus.
On this side, the arms of the cross bear the symbols of the Tetramorph: the angel of Saint Matthew, the eagle of Saint John, and the lion of Saint Mark (the bull of Saint Luke is missing).
On the other side, the crossing is decorated with a crowned Virgin and Child, surmounted by a canopy.
At the base, a flattened sphere with a stylized leaf motif holds six cabochons.

Dimensions: H. 70 cm x W. 44 cm x D. 15 cm

France – Limoges
Late 15th century
Red velvet base (H: 8 cm)

What is a Titulus?
The four letters INRI form an acronym, that is, the initials of four words: "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum" – "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This inscription appears in the four Gospels in different forms, but they all agree that the cross of Jesus bore the reason for his condemnation. The Romans, in fact, often had a Titulus, a text explaining the reason for his execution, placed on a condemned person.
The meaning of the INRI symbol on the cross is the Titulus crucis that Pontius Pilate decreed for Christ when he condemned him to death, as the motivation for the sentence.