Description
Probably dating from the late 15th or early 16th century, this cross comes from the village of l'Hospital, where there was a commandery dependent on Carlat. It bears a strong resemblance to the enameled crosses used on altars and in processions: flowered and trefoiled ends, the Virgin Mary, almost in an attitude of supplication, to Christ's right, and Saint John the Evangelist to his left. St. John holds a cross in his hand instead of the classic attribute: a book. As a result, even if we think that the sculptor was inspired by enameled crosses, it is difficult to date this cross. It would be presumptuous to claim that it is contemporary with 14th-century enamelled crosses.