Processional cross

Processional cross

Processional cross made of silver with some gilding. It was originally from the parish church of Etxabarri Ibiña (Alava) and was sold to the cathedral in the early 20th century. It bears no mark, but its characteristics indicate that it could be considered a Mannerist style work from the late 16th century or first quarter of the 17th century, possibly originating from the Americas. It has straight arms and a rectangular section that end with oval expansions surmounted by a baluster with a floral finish. The decorative work is made up of brackets with knobs, C-shape ribs and candelabra finials typical of the period to which the piece belongs.

With regard to its iconography, the central square contains the figure of a Crucified Christ with the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove on his head. On the reverse is Saint Clare against a landscape background accompanied on the horizontal arm by Saint John and Saint Mark the Evangelists, and vertically by Saint Lawrence, Saint Michael and Saint Sebastian. It is set within an architectural-shaped decorative support with a quadrangular outline and cylindrical barrel that allows a staff to be inserted in order to take it out in procession.