ANTIQUE c. 18th CENTURY LARGE 2 CATHOLIC CRUCIFIX VIRGIN MARY OUR LADY OF LORETO
2 tall with solid bale; weight approx. 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 the Child Jesus depicted as Our Lady of Loreto with Latin inscription S. The Crucifix appears to have been made from heavy metal alloy appearing as historical bronze or similar copper-based metal alloy of unknown composition. Origin likely circa 18th 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 wearing, such as reduced quality of artwork, visible deformations of the original shape, scratches or. Discolorations, and patches of patina/oxidation. The inside of the bale shows signs of wear consistent with long continuous devotional use or wearing. 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. 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 with the Child Jesus dressed and crowned as the Blessed Virgin of Loreto also known as the Black Madonna of Loreto. The preserved Latin inscription reads as follows: S. MAR" for "Sancta Maria" (top end of the vertical crossbar), "LAVRETANA" as "LAVRE" within the left side arm of the horizontal crossbar and "TANA within the right one. The bottom end of the vertical crossbar shows the ORA P. " abbreviation for Latin "Ora Pro Nobis" ("Pray for Us).
The sacred image of Loreto is enshrined in the Holy House in the Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy (Santa Casa di Loreto). It has been a Catholic pilgrimage destination since at least 14th century. The black image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child Jesus is made in Lebanon cedar and richly adorned with jewels.The tradition tells that the house in which the Holy Family lived was miraculously flown from the Holy Land to Loreto by four Angels, just before the Crusaders finally left the Holy Land. 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. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old.