15th C. Late Medieval English Silver Tau Cross

Northwestern Europe, England, late Medieval Period, ca. 1450 to 1550 CE. A museum quality 94% silver pectoral crucifix in the form of a Tau cross, associated with Saint Anthony, used as a talisman against the plague and other disease. The piece is decorated on both sides with engraved vines upon a stippled ground. The interior corners and tips of each arm are surmounted with an applied rosette ornament, 6 in total, with the largest at the top forming a finial and suspension loop that also contains an articulating ring. The rosettes may symbolize the Tudor rose emblem. A fine silver cross such as this piece distinguishes the owner as a wealthy member of society. This devotional piece could be suspended and worn today! Size: 1.65" L x 1.5" W (4.2 cm x 3.8 cm); silver quality: 94%; weight: 13.5 grams

The name tau cross comes from the similarity to the upper-case Greek letter 'tau' which has the same form as the Latin letter T. This was the sign that was believed to be painted in blood on the Israelite doorposts on the night of Passover and mentioned in the Bible passage Ezekiel 9:4. In medieval times the tau cross was most associated with Saint Anthony Abbot of Egypt (251 to 356 CE), a hermit and Christian monk that influenced the early Coptic Christians of Egypt and gained the respect of Emperor Constantine. The tau cross embodied the crutch that he leaned upon in old age, representing his longevity as he supposedly lived to be 105 years old! In stark contrast the average medieval person had a lifespan of 30 years, most not making it past childhood. Saint Anthony was often appealed to fight against diseases, his popularity increasing during times of plague.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection; ex-private Lincolnshire, UK collection; ex-private Bristol, UK collection

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#166938
Condition Report: Choice condition. Professionally cleaned. Pinhole perforation near one interior rosette. Light mineral encrustations within recessed areas. Original suspension ring attached. This pendant could be wearable on a cord or chain.