A crux gemmata (Latin for "jewelled cross") 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.
Examples in metalwork are the Cross of Justin II (6th century, in the Vatican Museums), the Cross of Lothair (10th century, Aachen Cathedral), the Iberian Cross of the Angels and Victory Cross and the Cross of Cong (1120s?, National Museum of Ireland).
Read more about Crux Gemmata: History
Famous quotes containing the word crux:
“This is the crux of the moral pessimists: if they really wanted to promote their neighbor’s redemption, then they would have to resolve themselves to spoiling existence for him, and thus to being his misfortune; out of pity, they would have to—become evil!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)