ANTIQUE c.18-19th CENTURY LARGE CATHOLIC CRUCIFIX VIRGIN MARY "STAR OF THE SEA"

Description: Antique large (approx. 1 13/16" tall with solid bale) two-sided Catholic Crucifix pendant featuring plain and humble right-angled design with images of the Crucified Savior over the skull (Adam's head) on the obverse and the Most Blessed Virgin Mary with abbreviated Latin words from the Medieval "Hail, Star of the Sea" hymn on the reverse. The Crucifix appears to have been made from a historical bronze or similar copper-based metal alloy of unknown composition. Origin likely circa late 18th - 19th century Western Europe (according to available publications describing findings of similar two-sided design; please see the last picture for a reference). The item shows significant signs of wear due to its old age and long devotional use or wearing, such as reduced quality of artwork, visible deformations of the original shape, scratches or superficial cracks, dents, discolorations, and patches of patina/oxidation. Most of the original thick patina has been removed using a complex procedure of gentle manual cleaning and polishing. Some pictures taken under bright illumination could give an impression that the metal is silvery, but its real color shows yellow (brass-like) tone reflecting presence of copper in the metal alloy. The size and weight of the Cross are shown on the photographs for this listing.The obverse bears image of the Crucified Savior over the skull (Adam's head) and with the "INRI" nameplate in the top part. The skull with crossbones refers to Golgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus was crucified, which the Bible says means "the place of the skull" in Hebrew. An ancient tradition of Catholic and Orthodox Churches held that it was also the burial place of Adam, thus symbolizing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. The reverse shows an iconic depiction of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary known as the Immaculate Conception according to the Roman Catholic tradition. She is depicted standing on the crescent (half moon), with Her hands held together in a prayerful position, symbolizing Her obedience to God's will. The space around the image is filled with an inscription in capital Latin letters: "VIG IMM VITAM PRESTA PURAM". The first two words mean an abbreviated "VIRGO IMMACULATE" (IMMACULATE VIRGIN). The fragment "VITAM PRAESTA PURAM" translates as "BESTOW A PURE LIFE" and belongs to the "Ave Maris Stella" ("Hail, Star of the Sea"), a Medieval Hymn to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The creation of the original Medieval hymn has been attributed to several historical Saints, including Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), Saint Venantius Fortunatus (6th century), and Hermannus Contractus (11th century). The "Ave Maris Stella" was highly influential in presenting Mary as a merciful and loving Mother. The title, "Star of the Sea" is one of the oldest and most widespread titles applied to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference and artistic background. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay. International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.

Price: 99 USD

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-09-04T22:43:05.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD