This relic is a good specimen of the work of the early enamellers of
Limoges. The Byzantine origin of this school is shown by the monogram IHS
XPS, and the wooden board to which the feet are _separately_ attached.
The Saviour is clothed in a long tunic, with a crown on his head; above
appears a hand in benediction, the usual symbol of the first person
of the Trinity. The figure below may represent the dead rising at the
crucifixion. The back ground is a copper plate in which various enamels
are embedded, to this is fixed the figure in relief, the tunic enamelled,
and the eyes formed with blue glass. The whole has been gilt.
This cross has been used for the face of a book cover or the centre
compartment of a shrine. Date end of the 12th century.