Two crosses and a paten, cross in the center of a cross
European Museums, The British MuseumTwo crosses and a paten
These objects come from Hospital de la Vera Cruz (True Cross) at Medina de Pomar, Spain. The hospital was founded by Don Pedro Fernandez de Velasco (1399 - 1469/70) for the elderly. The coat of arms of the Velasco family appear on both crosses. The commissioning and presentation of pieces to the Church served to demonstrate religious devotion, but also to display wealth, power and authority.
The processional cross is modelled with cut branches and engraved to resemble bark. Altar crosses are placed on the altar during Mass. The front of this altar cross displays Christ's body, while the reverse displays a fragment of the True Cross. A paten, or plate, is used to hold the consecrated bread and to cover the chalice during Mass. This example shows Christ giving a blessing.
About 1450, with some later additions
Spain
Silver gilt, enamel, niello
PE, 1911,0621.1,2,7
Given by J. Pierpoint Morgan
Supplementary images:
Two crosses and a paten
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