Altar Cross

Attributed to Saracchi Workshop (foot); Western European 19th Century (cross and its mounts)

National Gallery of Art

This sculpture is a cross on a highly detailed base. Most of the cross is transparent, similar to clear glass or crystal, while its ends are decorated with gold and colorful jewels in the shape of small crowns. The cross is connected to the base with more gold, which is then connected to a clear stem. The base is also transparent and appears to feature etched figures on horseback under tall trees. The bottom of the base has a ring of gold encrusted with jewels in shades of pink and green.