The Cloisters Cross

      The Cloisters Cross, an English piece shown on the left, was sculpted by an unknown artist sometime between 1150 to 1160. Very little is known about the artist as well as the origin considering many found out about its existence in 1955 when it placed on sale by its former owner, Ante Topic Mimara. Made of walrus ivory, this piece is 22 5/8 inches tall and 14 1/4 inches wide. 

     Most historians agree that the piece was made somewhere within eastern England prior to the mass destruction of religious artwork in 16th century England as a result of the decrees of Henry VIII followed by the Cromwellian depredations of the 17th century. During the 12th century, King Stephen ruled England followed by Henry II in 1154. Christianity was the dominant religion in this region resulting in the trivialization of    all other religions. Specifically speaking, those of Jewish faith were highly  un-favored by Christians, ultimately resulting in their expulsion from    England following the creation of this piece. 

         As far as the stylistic features of the cross, texture played an integral role in the overall presentation of the work. With the distinctive physio-gnomic features and expressive gestures, the sculptural illusion-ism is truly worth admiring. Through the use of undercutting and layering compositions to create spacial depth, the figures are able to convey a sense of potential movement.     This movement is important as in contributes to the feeling of a story being told within the work instead of a still frame. In addition, color was used  sparingly as the tusks themselves represented luxury and wealth like that of gold today. Superfluous color would have done nothing but take away   from the already exquisitely executed work. While warm golden tones were used to enhance the       natural ivory, the lack of color could represent how society felt at that time about different races, and religions. Thus preferring the  Christian, over the Jew. 

        At first glance, the audience can see an intricately carved crossed with various figures. Instantly, they can assume that there is some type of Christian affiliation since the cross is an iconic Christian symbol. The details seen within the sculpture are like that of no other. With 92 figures and 98 inscriptions, the artist was able to fit a great deal of religious material in just one cross. Overall, Christianity was the main explicit focus, while there can be other messages within this cross when looking on a deeper level. 

          Now, while the cross is alluding to Christianity, there are also more subliminal messages suggesting that the cross contains anti-Semitic language hidden within the scrolls. For example, on one of the edges of the cross there is a Latin couplet that reads, "Cham laughs when he sees the naked private parts of his parent." or translated to "The Jews laughed at the pain of God dying". This is just one example of how the art piece simultaneously censures and vilifies Jews. Thus making the message turn from a positive uplifting Christian piece, to one that throws blows at other religions that England doesn't agree with. In addition, crosses such as these were given to kings and bishops as gifts which directly supports the anti-Semitic notion considering Jews were forced out of the country following the creation of the piece. 

Sketch (Might be hard to tell
the difference)

Original

         

  If interested in the piece, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.