Processional Cross

This processional gilded silver cross was paid for with the silver which Bishop Fernando Coutinho left in his will to the Cathedral for this purpose. It is the most ostentatious piece of sacred metalwork from the 15th century in the Museum's collection despite being somewhat devalued by the loss of the node on which it was supported. It is a good example of the accentuated verticality of this period. The plant decoration presages the excessive naturalistic ornamentation that would find favour during the Manueline period.