This is an elaborate and refined example of the cruciform plaques Limousin metalworkers made to adorn larger altar-top and processional crosses during the early thirteenth century. It would originally have occupied the center of the cross, accompanied by similarly relief-modelled figures of the Virgin and Saint John attached on either side and further embellishments covering the cross’s reverse face. In this example, Christ’s body is positioned frontally and formed in high relief, attached to the plaque behind him by way of nails passed through the hands and feet in a manner that directly echoes the actual process of his Crucifixion. He hangs as if in mid-air, nailed to a blue enameled background strewn on all sides in a rhythmical and symmetrical arrangement with elaborate circles or rosettes picked out in a rich combination of colors. A large halo with a red cruciform motif and concentric rings of blue and white nimbs Christ’s head, while directly above is a titulus inscribed with the trigram ‘IHS’ and surmounted by a bust-length angel figure holding the consecrated Host — an emblem of the Eucharist entirely appropriate for the original function of the cross on which our plaque was positioned. Below Christ’s feet, the figure of Adam is shown emerging from his tomb with his hands raised in veneration.
