The Cross of Lothair or Lothair Cross is a crux gemmata processional cross dating from about 1000 AD, though its base dates from the 14th century. It was made in Germany, probably at Cologne. It is an outstanding example of medieval goldsmith's work, and "an important monument of imperial ideology", forming part of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury, which includes several other masterpieces of sacral Ottonian art. The measurements of the original portion are 50 cm height, 38.5 cm width, 2.3 cm depth.
The Augustus cameo at the center of the Cross of Lothair
The Mathilda Cross of c. 973 has many similarities, but has a sculpted Christ on the front, above a figurative enamel plaque.
Image: Aachen Germany Domschatz Cross of Lothair 01
Image: Germania occidentale, croce detta di lotario, 1000 ca, con base tardogotica (XV secolo), retro 01
A crux gemmata is a form of cross typical of Early Christian and Early Medieval art, where the cross, or at least its front side, is principally decorated with jewels. In an actual cross, rather than a painted image of one, the reverse side often has engraved images of the Crucifixion of Jesus or other subjects.
The front side of the Cross of Lothair (c. 1000 AD)
Detail of a mosaic, Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna (549).
A gold solidus of Marcian, 450–457.
Santa Pudenziana, Rome, apse mosaic, 384-9
