Burgos
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370
Spain; Burgos; ca. 1400
This processional cross has Gothic pointed decorations on the arms. The arrangement of figures follows strict rules of iconography. The Crucifixion scene is placed in an oval widening on the front of the cross, with the Virgin on the left, and St John the Evangelist on the right. Above Christ is a figure holding a book, probably St John, who wrote the Apocalypse. Below is the figure of Mary Magdalene with a vessel for the last rite.
On the back of the cross Christ is shown as the judge at the Last Judgment. This archaic Early Gothic representation of Christ, sitting frontally on the throne with a book on His knee, giving a benediction with His right hand, is typical of Burgos crosses and derives from Puerta del Sarmental, the portal of the south transept of the cathedral.