French 18th Century gold filigree crucifix cross

A touch of history ... French cross pendant one-side with Christ at the center of a full Latin cross decorated with openwork and filigree. Shells at the ends of the Saint André cross. This type of cross is part of the adornment of wealthy wives along the coast between Boulogne and Dunkirk in France. They are typical by their shells motifs that evokes the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostelle and the filigree work is perhaps the mark of a distant Spanish origin. The County of Flanders became Spanish between the 15th and 17th centuries. The curly lines might also evoke twisted ropes wound on the bridge and the shell as product from fishing.

These crosses called "Boulonnaise" were also named "croix du pardon" (cross of forgiveness) or "croix flamande" (Flemish cross) because their origin would be from Antwerp. This type of cross was worn on a long chain called "sorcière" or witch, several times around the neck and closed with a large closure.

Some fine examples are visible in Paris at the National Museum.

Antique jewelry object group: pendants
Country of origin: France
Style: Pre-Victorian - (styles overview)
Period: ca. 1790 (events and facts in 1790)
Source of inspiration: Christianity
Theme: crucifixion - In the Roman era crucifixion was a very common way of executing despised criminals and slaves, and Christianity still was an illegal religion. By sacrificing himself, Christ liberated man from Adam's sin that had been inherited by the entire humanity. Christ has been depicted leaning his head on his right shoulder, while wearing the subligaculum (a small strip of cloth) around the waist and the crown of thorn on his head.
Material: 18K yellow gold - (precious metals)
Technique: Filigree; this is in fact thin golden wire twisted into refined motifs. This technique demands very high skills and precision from the maker.
Hallmarks: The French control mark representing an rooster's head that was in use in France around 1790. - (general hallmarks info)
Condition: good condition - (our condition scale)
Dimensions: height approximately 5.13 cm (2.02 inch)
Weight: 4.00 gram (2.57 dwt)
Reference Nº: 09177-4359

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