Crux gemmata
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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
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
Cross of Justin II
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The Cross of Justin II is a processional cross dating from the sixth century that is kept in the Treasury in St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City. It is also one of the oldest surviving claimed reliq
Crux gemmata
…than a painted image of one, the reverse side often has engraved images of the Crucifixion of Jesus or other subjects. Examples in metalwork are the Cross of Justin II (6th century, in the Vatican Museums), the 'crumpled cross' in the Staffordshire Hoard (8th century), the Cross of Lothair (10th century, Aachen Cathedral…
Front side of the Cross of Justin II
A different, and far humbler, small cross of gold foil, with rubbings of coins of Justin II and holes for nails or thread, Italian, 6th century