The Cross

German 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of an ornate red cross surrounded by floral motifs and circular inscriptions. The painting features a vibrant red cross with four equal arms expanding outward, and behind it is a black background adorned with symmetrical floral designs in the corners. The floral motifs incorporate swirling leaves and blossoms. At the top, within the black background, there are two circular elements; inside these circles are the inscriptions "IHS" on the left and "MPA" on the right. The painting is bordered by a yellow frame with a blue outer edge. This is in the style of a stained glass design or religious iconography commonly seen in European religious art.