Published Medieval Thames Pewter The Holy Face Pilgrim's Badge

CIRCA 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.

2 in. (5.75 grams, 5 cm).

Presenting relief design of Christ crucified, wearing long V-neck robe tied at the waist with a knotted girdle and with full sleeves, the sun and moon beneath his feet; stitching loops to the remaining arms, pellet border and raised lettering: 'S[IGNVM SANCTI] VV / LTI / [LV]CEN / SIS' (sign of the Holy Face of Lucca); Lucca, Italy. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

Published

Spencer, B., Pilgrim Souvenirs And Secular Badges, MOLA, London, 2010, pp.254-256, fig.254f, for this item.

Footnotes

Lucca was situated on the Via Francigena, the principal route for English pilgrims travelling to Rome. Its most treasured relic was the 'Volto Santo', (the Holy Face), a large-than-life figure of Christ crucified, the face reputedly carved by an angel. This badge is a souvenir of the Volto Santo.

CONDITION

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LOT 1788