English Mortuary Cross, 14th Century - Nov 11, 2021 | Blue Lake Auction In Michigan
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

ENGLISH MORTUARY CROSS, 14th CENTURY

Related Crucifixies & Crosses

More Items in Crucifixies & Crosses

View More

Recommended Religious & Spiritual Objects

View More
item-114073798=1
item-114073798=2
item-114073798=3
item-114073798=4
ENGLISH MORTUARY CROSS, 14th CENTURY
ENGLISH MORTUARY CROSS, 14th CENTURY
Item Details
Description
Lead, just under 1 1/2" height. Particularly well made for these with a deeply modeled bordered panel motif, now worn from age and burial. The cross beam centered. The top pierced for a securing cord to attach it to the deceased. Made for burial with plague victims of the first great plague of 1348-49. Known variously as Pestilence, the Great Mortality, the Great Plague, or the Black Death, it was a bubonic plague that was brought by sea from France. It killed a quarter of the population of London in two years, creating a shortage of burial space and manpower to perform the burials. Over the centuries, many English churchyards have been cleared of old burials to make space for new (the closer to the church entrance the burial, the greater the chance for eternal happiness) and these crosses are occasionally encountered. See the attached images from the Science Museum, London, and four related examples of 1348, from Grey Friars Monastery, Newgate Street, London (Wellcome Library, London).
Buyer's Premium
  • 25%

ENGLISH MORTUARY CROSS, 14th CENTURY

Estimate $225 - $250
See Sold Price
Starting Price $110
1 bidder is watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in CLINTON TWP, Michigan, us
$12 shipping in the US

Payment

Blue Lake Auction

Blue Lake Auction

Clinton Twp, MI, United States244 Followers
TOP