Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 2018

Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant

17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.

5 3/8 in. (101 grams, 13.7 cm).

Bifacial double cross with two angels at the base carrying the cross, applied figures of Corpus Christi and Virgin Mary to one side with an inscription 'CAR VACA'; separately made reverse panel with openwork panels and foliate decoration; made as a reliquary.

Provenance

Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Published

Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 26th May-15th September 2025; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.

Footnotes

The Caravaca Cross, also known as the Cross of Caravaca, originated in the Spanish town of Caravaca de la Cruz and according to tradition, first appeared in the 13th century during the Christian reconquest of Spain. According to a legend, during the rule of the Muslim king Abu Zeid in 1231, a miraculous event occurred. A Christian priest lacking a cross celebrated Mass and was not able to continue as the cross is an essential element for the Eucharist. Miraculously, two angels bearing the Caravaca Cross appeared thus enabling the Mass to proceed. This event is considered the foundational miracle of the Caravaca Cross.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 2018

Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant

Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Western Asiatic Style Terracotta Figure Group
    Western Asiatic Style Terracotta Figure Group
    20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    Including nude male gripping his buttocks, female with tall spiked hairstyle and other types. 204 grams total, 6.3-15.3 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Grand Tour Bronze Murmillo Gladiator Statuette
    Grand Tour Bronze Murmillo Gladiator Statuette
    Late 19th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Standing murmillo type gladiator, holding a sword and rectangular shield, wearing feathered helmet. 128 grams, 92 mm



    Acquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Saxon Style Bronze Artefact Group
    Saxon Style Bronze Artefact Group
    20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £78

    Comprising: two equal-arm brooches with stepped bow; bird-brooch appliqué with enamel ornament. 18.2 grams total, 38-41 mm



    Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Anglia private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list